Space Technology 6.E.1.3 Summarize space exploration and the understandings gained from them.

Space exploration has allowed humans to learn much about the workings of the solar system, the composition of planets and moons, and the effects of many types of solar radiation on the Earth and its inhabitants. In preparing for the challenges of space exploration, people have developed tools and products that have become very important in enriching our lives.

The beginning of space technology being applied to domestic needs began with the developments associated with the Apollo Project, for which many of the technologies were developed. This program, in short, was the brainchild of President John Kennedy. It was designed to put an American on the moon, a goal first set by Kennedy. 

From this project many products, common to daily life in America have been created or modified. The Apollo and later NASA projects all expanded man's knowledge of the universe, but it also made life on Earth more convenient and comfortable.

Scratch-Resistant Lenses Scratch-resistant lenses were developed by NASA by applying a diamond-like lubricating coat over plastic lenses. This application was originally used in the space program in a “dual ion-beam bonding process.” Today, the coating is still used on hard resin plastic used in most eye glasses that people wear everyday.

Freeze-Dried Food Humans need food, and astronauts in space are no exception. To keep food fresh that would feed the astronauts, NASA adopted the practice of freeze-drying food. Previously, the technology had been “developed originally for preserving plasma during World War II.” This process proved effective on food and allowed for extended manned space flights such as the Apollo flights. 

Athletic Shoes Technology originally developed for the boots worn on the moon, has now been applied to athletic shoes in the mid-sole section. The technology improves shock absorption, stability, and motion control. The sneaker industry has also used this technology to convince consumers into believing they need this commodity.

CAT & MRI Technologies The entire purpose of the early Apollo missions was to choose a suitable landing ground for the first man on the moon. To do this, they needed technology that could photograph the moon's surface. NASA created this technology, and from it scientists developed Computer-Aided Topography (CAT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technologies. Today, CAT scanners and MRIs are used in hospitals world-wide.

Cordless Power Tools While on the moon and working in deep space, the astronauts would need to perform many tasks to gather scientific data concerning the surface of the moon. Often in these tasks, they needed mechanical help.  Neither traditional tools nor power tools of that era would work. Traditional tools would not provide enough assistance, and power tools could not be used due to their cord restrictions. Thus, NASA developed a way for power tools to be used without cords. Today, cordless power tools are everywhere.  Uses for these tools have proved extremely versatile and beneficial to society.  People use them to construct homes and conduct other projects, such as making repairs.

Cool Suits As with athletic shoes, part of the astronauts' outfits was adapted for non-space purposes. This feature of the astronauts' outfit was the suit itself. The suit was designed to keep astronauts at a comfortable temperature while working in space. Today, the same concept is behind the suits that race car drivers, nuclear reactor technicians, shipyard workers, people with multiple sclerosis, and sufferers of hypo-hydrotic ectodermic dysphasia wear to keep themselves comfortable.

Heart Pump A miniaturized ventricular-assist pump has been successfully implanted into several people. Initially called the NASA/DeBakey heart pump, it is based in part on technology used in space shuttle fuel pumps.

Tempur-Pedic Sleep Surfaces The Tempur material was originally developed by NASA. That's right, NASA. Back in the 1970s, NASA was experimenting with a material that would conform to the exact body weight and shape of any astronaut. The material was also developed to relieve the enormous G-forces experienced by astronauts during lift off, flight and descent into the earth's atmosphere. The material was highly promising, but proved to be highly difficult to manufacture and it suffered from durability problems.

Conclusion Spin-offs from the space program are not limited to the products featured here. Some other spin-offs include, but are not limited to: the dust buster, golf ball technology, virtual reality, micro lasers, and the self-inflating life raft. With all these products a result of the space program, one can only imagine what future spin-offs will be. People experiment with every invention; its inevitable. Products designed for space use also have been experimented with and mutilated to be of use to people on Earth. These spin-offs have changed modern life as mankind knows it.

Questions Firefighters wear jackets that resist fire. The special fabric in these jackets was originally developed for which use? A. space suits B. rocket fuel C. spaceship windows D. baby blankets

Which president was determined to put an American astronaut on the moon? A. George Bush B. Ronald Regan C. John Kennedy D. Bill Clinton

How did the technology of space boots affect the shoes worn by people today? A. It helped create the “Moon Walk” dance. B. It helped basketball superstars slam- dunk. C. It caused shoes to be more colorful. D. It improved shock absorption, stability, and motion control of today’s shoes.

Any Questions???

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