In the 1970s, NASA developed filtration systems that utilized iodine and cartridge filters to ensure that astronauts had access to safe, tasteless water. This filtering technology is now standard. Water filtration devices have been around since the 1950’s. Bulky and time-consuming, these products were not useful to astronauts on board a spacecraft. NASA engineers developed a portable and compact device that could kill and filter out any bacteria present in the astronaut’s water supply. These advancements in water filtration are used by companies to provide clean water to millions of people every day.

Two Jet Propulsion Laboratory scientists developed a welding curtain in the 1980s capable of absorbing, filtering and scattering the intense light emitted during welding since it can be harmful to unprotected eyes. They later realized this same technology could be used for sunglasses, and that’s how UV-blocking sunglasses were born, according to the NASA Technology Transfer Program.

Innovations originally designed for space vehicles, including artificial muscle systems, robotic sensors, diamond-joint coatings, and temper foam, make artificial human limbs more functional, durable, comfortable and life-like.

Harshberger Prosthetic & Orthotic Center, Inc. uses molding materials from insulation foam that was created by the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama for their space shuttle external tank. The previously used plaster for the molding was brittle, heavy, hard to store and difficult to ship. Due to the lower cost, higher strength and light weight of the new material, the production process of new artificial limbs became easier and reduced costs for customers.

NASA developed wireless headsets to allow astronauts to communicate hands-free and without wires, according to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Now they help non-astronauts jam out wirelessly. Along with two airline pilots who'd invented a prototype of a wireless headset, NASA built a light, hands-free communication system that would allow astronauts to communicate with teams on Earth. The technology was utilized in the Mercury and Apollo missions.

NASA helped in developing wireless headsets for its astronauts. Astronaut Wally Schirra contacted Pacific Plantronics to find a way of developing wireless headsets that could be used by astronauts in order to communicate hands free and without wires. These wireless headsets were used by Neil Armstrong when he famously took his first step on the Moon in 1969.

Plantronics went on to develop new products for use at home and in the office, such as Bluetooth headsets that make wireless connections for mobile phones, laptops and personal digital assistants.

Memory foam was originally invented as a pad for astronaut seats that would mold to their bodies during the high forces of takeoff and landing, then return to a neutral state. This eliminated the need to customize seats to individual astronauts' body sizes. / Memory foam - Also known as Temper Foam, this mattress innovation was stumbled on when NASA was contracted to improve crash cushioning and seat cushions for airplane pilots and passengers. With extensive commercial uses, Memory foam was initially designed to make landings safer for astronauts. Doctors use this absorbent foam to reduce pressure on body parts and reduce friction on prosthetic limbs.

In 2020, the global Memory Foam Mattress market size was USD 4747.2 million and it is expected to reach USD 9309.9 million by the end of 2027, with a CAGR of 10.1% during 2021-2027. source

NASA began experimenting with insulation technology for the Apollo space crafts and suits, leading to the invention of common construction insulation. Mylar, a heat-reflecting plastic shield coated in aluminum, was designed by NASA in the 1950’s to protect spacecrafts from the sun’s heat. The intense fluctuations in cold and heat experienced in space made it extremely difficult to regulate the temperature of the space shuttle and the astronauts on board. Mylar insulation solved the issue. An integral component in spaceship and spacesuit design, Mylar has been incorporated into our lives in a variety of ways. Most insulation used by residential and commercial contractors is Mylar based. A somewhat less expected use of the product involves marathons. The silver blankets that you see wrapped around finishers of marathons all over the world is made from Mylar. The insulation provides the perfect solution for exhausted athletes who can quickly develop hypothermia after completing a race.

NASA needed to develop a material that could insulate its spacecrafts from the extreme temperature fluctuation that is experienced in space. NASA developed Mylar in the 1950s, which is a heat-reflecting plastic shield coated in aluminum. Mylar, which is an integral part of spacecrafts and spacesuits, is now used in a variety of ways. Most insulation based on Mylar are used by commercial and residential contractors. Another surprising use is Mylar as a silver blanket for athletes after a marathon to keep their internal body heat after being exhausted, because otherwise they could develop hypothermia.

The global market size was 58.29 billion in 2020, and is estimated to reach 76.93 billion in 2025 with a CAGR of 5.7%

https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/insulation-market

Technology used to track astronauts' eyes during periods in space in order to assess how humans' frames of reference are affected by weightlessness has become essential for use during LASIK surgery. The device tracks a patient's eye positions for the surgeon.

After NASA and Ceradyne invented a clear material that could protect radar equipment without blocking the radar's signal, Unitek Corporation/3M teamed up with Ceradyne, using the material to invent invisible braces. NASA developed transparent polycrystalline alumina (TPA), the material that invisible braces are made from, when searching for an incredibly durable yet lightweight component to help track missiles it was building. A company called Ceradyne used that technology to create the braces that are seen on teenagers all over the country. Stronger than steel and translucent, this aesthetically pleasing invention is a big improvement over the traditional stainless steel ‘metal mouth’ look of its predecessor.

The first portable computer, the Grid Compass, was used on multiple shuttle missions in the 1980s. Nicknamed SPOC (Shuttle Portable On-Board Computer), the computer could communicate with onboard devices and was used to launch satellites off space shuttles.

Portable computers were first developed for shuttle missions. They were nicknamed SPOC (Shuttle Portable On-Board Computer) and were used to communicate with onboard devices which was used to launch satellites off space shuttles.

Recreational pools can be a breeding ground for bacteria, but thanks to NASA, there’s a water purification system that keeps them clean. In the 1960s, NASA developed an electrolytic silver iodizer to purify drinking water for astronauts — and it’s now used in pools, according to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

The technology used in Nike Air sneakers was originally developed for space suits, according to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Former NASA engineer M. Frank Rudy patented his “blow rubber molding” technology, which Nike used to allow runners to “run on air,” Gizmodo reported.

Former NASA engineer M. Frank Rudy patented “blow rubber molding” technology that was originally used in space suits to create Nike Air sneakers.

Out of a need to power space missions, NASA has invented, and consistently improved, photovoltaic cells, sharing the advancements with other companies to accelerate the technology. If you live in one of the many American homes outfitted with crystal silicon solar power cells, you have NASA to thank for your lower energy bills. The Environmental Research Aircraft and Sensor Technology Alliance along with SunPower Corporation developed the high-performance, low-cost power cells to be able to power remotely piloted aircraft without adding weight, according to the NASA Technology Transfer Program.

Ski boots that flex without significant distortion allow for precision skiing, and the Flexon concept that allows for this is an adaptation of the technology used in spacesuit joints, according to the NASA Spinoff Database.

NASA created the technology that was adapted for Flexon Ski boots. The technology was originally used in space joints, and now allows for precision skiing

The pyrotechnic mechanism used to detach a space shuttle from its rocket boosters after launch is the same used in Lifeshears, but in a smaller scale. Lifeshears are a tool that can be used in emergency situations to cut into cars or collapsed buildings to rescue people trapped inside.

Intended for use to help in growing plants aboard space shuttles, NASA's LED technology has been utilized in the development of LED medical devices that relax muscles and relieve pain in soldiers, cancer patients, and those with Parkinson's disease.

NASA’s LED technology, which was originally intended for growing plants aboard space shuttles, is used as medical equipment that helps relax muscles and relieve pain in soldiers, cancer patients, and those with Parkinson’s disease.

Needing to monitor astronauts' vital signs in space, the Goddard Space Flight Center created monitoring systems that have been adapted to regulate blood sugar levels and release insulin as needed.

Infrared ear thermometers, which allow for instant temperature capture without the risk of picking up pathogens and causing cross-infection, utilize the same technology developed for assessing the temperature of distant planets.

The technology that is used for assessing the temperature of distant planets is the same as the one used in infrared ear thermometers, which can find the temperature without contamination and risk of causing cross-infection.

The requirements for landing space shuttles led NASA scientists to do extensive research on minimizing hydroplaning – when vehicles slide uncontrollably on a wet surface – on runways. They discovered that cutting grooves into runways helps channel water away from the runway and significantly reduces accidents. Many highways and airports now have grooved pavement.

During long space missions where every ounce of weight and inch of space aboard a shuttle must be maximized, freeze-dried foods have become a staple. Freeze-dried foods are incredibly light, and they retain their nutritional value. Once reconstituted, they are also easier and more pleasant to eat than former meal sources that were packed into squeeze tubes. The result is food that maintains 98% of its nutritional value, with only 20% of its original weight.

If you’ve ever seen marathon runners at the end of the race, you might have noticed that many wrap themselves in foil blankets. These blankets are used to regulate body temperature, which usually drops dramatically once they stop running. These blankets are also called space blankets, and not just because they look futuristic. Foil blankets evolved from a lightweight insulator developed by NASA to protect spacecrafts and astronauts from extreme dips in temperature, according to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

The polymers created for use in space suits have been valuable in creating flame-retardant, heat-resistant suits for firefighters. Newer suits also feature circulating coolant to keep firefighters from succumbing to heat and advanced breathing systems modeled after astronaut life support systems.

Because prolonged exposure to zero-gravity leads to bone loss and muscle atrophy, NASA created workout machines to enable astronauts to maintain physical fitness while in space.

Workout machines were created because of the bone loss and muscle atrophy that is experienced by astronauts in zero-gravity space.

Shock absorbers designed to protect equipment during space shuttle launches are now used to protect bridges and buildings in areas prone to earthquakes.

Shock absorbers that are used in bridges and buildings to protect them from earthquakes were originally intended for space shuttle launches.

After NASA developed scratch-resistant astronaut helmets, the agency gave a license to Foster-Grant Corporation to continue experimenting with scratch-resistant plastics, which now comprise most sunglasses and prescription lenses.

NASA partnered with Pillsbury to create a new systemic approach to quality control for prepackaged foods. This quality control method was originally intended to ensure the safety of foods for spaceflights, but it’s become an industry standard that helps keep food safe for consumers around the world, according to NASA.

A new quality-control method for prepackaged food was created by NASA in cooperation with Pillsbury to keep food safe during space flights. This new method is now widely used by consumers everywhere to have safe and accessible food.

The global market size is expected to be $49,685.2 million from 2020 to 2027 with a CAGR of 6.3%.

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-packaged-food-products-market-to-generate-49-685-2-million-and-exhibit-a-cagr-of-6-3-from-2020-to-2027---exclusive-report-340-pages-by-research-dive-301362695.html

You can still use the GPS on your phone when you don’t have a wireless connection thanks to NASA technology. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory developed precision GPS with data streamed from its global network of GPS receivers, which is now used by many cellphones, according to NASA.

When they were looking for a self-contained, portable drill to cut core samples on the moon, NASA reached out to Black and Decker. The company had already designed a line of cordless tools, but the products needed a little tweaking. The push from NASA was enough to refine the quality and battery life of these power tools. Black and Decker used the improved technology to create the first cordless vacuum, which they named the Dustbuster.

While searching for a way to increase interaction with onboard computers and allow users to perform tasks like manipulate data, NASA and Stanford researchers developed the first mouse.

NASA and Stanford researchers developed the first mouse to make performing tasks such as manipulate data on computers easier.

The global market for computer mice was USD 1640.6 million in 2020.

Kennedy Space Center engineer Adam Kisseh was hearing impaired and was unsatisfied with the hearing aids currently available. So he used his experience working on the Space Shuttle Program’s electronic, sound and vibrator sensor systems to develop early cochlear implant technology, which uses electrical impulses rather than sound amplification, according to NASA.

Adam Kisseh, who is an engineer of the Kennedy Space Center, developed early cochlear implant technology. He was hearing impaired and unsatisfied with the hearing aids that were then available. He decided to use his expertise that he had gained in the Space Shuttle Program’s electronic, sound and vibrator systems to develop new technology that uses electrical impulses rather than sound amplification for hearing.

NASA's digital signal technology, originally used to recreate images of the moon during the Apollo missions, is the underlying technology that makes CAT scans and MRIs possible.

The digital signal technology that makes CAT scans and MRIs possible was originally developed to recreate images of the moon during the Apollo missions.

The global market of CT scanners was US $4.76 billion in 2017 and is expected to grow by a CAGR of 5.4% to reach US $6.20 billion in 2022.

In the 1990s, NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory invented a light, miniature imaging system that required little energy in order to take high quality photographs from space. This technology has become standard in cell phone and computer cameras.

A light, miniature imaging system that is a standard technology in computer cameras and cell phones was created by NASA in the 1990s. It requires little energy to take high quality photographs from space.

After the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company invented the material used in NASA's Viking Lander parachute shrouds, the company began using it in its everyday radial tires. The material is stronger than steel and adds thousands of miles of life to the tires.

Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company invented material that was used by NASA for their parachute shrouds. This invention later began to be used in everyday tires. The material is stronger than steel and adds thousands of miles of life to the tires.

A nutritious, algae-based vegetable oil invented by NASA scientists who were searching for a recycling agent to use during long space missions is now an additive in many infant formulas. It contains two essential fatty acids that cannot be synthesized by the human body. The microalgae substance is now found in over 90% of infant formulas sold in the U.S.

An additive used in over 90% of baby formulas in the US, was discovered by NASA scientists who were trying to create a recycling agent to use during long space missions. The nutritious, algae-based vegetable oil contains two essential fatty acids that cannot be synthesized by the human body.

The market size for US baby formula was 3,653 million in 2019 and is expected to reach around 5,811 million by 2027, with a CAGR of 5.8%.

https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/us-baby-infant-formula-market-A10849#:~:text=The%20U.S.%20baby%20infant%20formula,5.8%25%20from%202021%20to%202027.

A shock-absorbent rubber molding designed for astronauts' helmets inspired what is now a common feature in the soles of modern athletic shoes.

Rubber molding that was designed for astronaut helmets is now used in most soles of modern athletic shoes.

In the sealed, artificial environment of a spacecraft, attempts to grow plants have led to ethylene buildup. NASA invented an air purifier for the International Space Station that is now used widely on Earth – everywhere from restaurants, to hospitals, to refrigerators – to remove ethylene, which hastens decay, as well as other particulates and pathogens.

NASA invented air purifiers for the International Space Station in order to remove ethylene build up from artificial environments. These air purifiers are used in restaurants, hospitals, and refrigerators to deal with the ethylene build up that hastens decay, creates environment of pathogens and particulates.

The global market size for air purifier was US $11.22billion in 2020 and has an expected CAGR of 9.8% reaching US $24.31 billion in 2027

https://ca.movies.yahoo.com/global-air-purifier-market-size-150100473.html#:~:text=The%20Global%20Air%20Purifier%20Market,to%20improve%20indoor%20air%20quality

In partnership with the Honeywell Corporation, NASA improved smoke detector technology in the 1970s, creating a unit with adjustable sensitivity to avoid constant false alarms.

NASA together with the Honeywell Corporation improved smoke detectors in the 1970s. The smoke detectors were created with adjustable sensitivity so that it doesn’t cause constant false alarms.

The market size for smoke detector was 1.96 billion in 2020 and is expected to be 3.01 billion by 2025 with a CAGR of 8.8%

https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/smoke-detector-market#:~:text=The%20global%20smoke%20detector%20market%20size%20was%20estimated%20at%20USD,USD%201.96%20billion%20in%202020.&text=The%20global%20smoke%20detector%20market%20is%20expected%20to%20grow%20at,USD%203.01%20billion%20by%202025.

The ability to cook food on long space missions is no longer impossible with the invention of 3D food printers. This technology is now being refined for commercial use for the production of chocolates and other confections as well as to create nutritious foods for diabetics and others with specific dietary needs.

3D food printing makes it possible to cook food on long space missions. 3D food printing is currently being improved for commercial use. It can create confections, nutritious food for diabetics and other dietary needs.

The market size of 3D food printing is expected to reach US $425.0 million by 2025 with a CAGR of 54.75% between 2018 and 2025.

https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/3d-food-printing-market-267692011.html

In 1997, NASA developed a super-sensitive charge-coupled device for the Hubble Space Telescope so that it could create more high-quality imaging. The devices could digitize light into data. The LORAD corporation can now use these devices to scan female breast cancer and therefore deliver better treatment. Thanks to the device, female breast cancer patients can undergo less invasive and costly tests.

https://science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/inventions/top-5-nasa-inventions.htm

Astronauts spend extensive periods of time in zero-gravity environments. Long term weightlessness can lead to muscle atrophy and a decrease in bone density. For this reason, astronauts must exercise regularly and extensively while in space. NASA engineers created treadmills and other workout machines to allow the astronauts to work out while on their space missions. The cardiovascular equipment that we all use at the gym was developed based on NASA’s inventions.

Ice is a real threat for shuttles in space, and NASA has devised multiple electronic solutions to prevent ice formation on spacecrafts, some of which are now used on commercial aircraft.

To deal with the threat of ice on their space shuttles NASA developed electronic solutions to prevent ice from forming on their spacecraft. The technology developed by NASA is used by several commercial aircrafts.