Technologies used by NASA that are far ahead of their time

A lot of people think that space travel and space research is a waste of money in a world where many countries are still reeling under the threat of poverty, malnutrition and various socio-economic issues.

However, do you know that many of the inventions developed over the years by NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration, USA) and JPL (Jet Propulsion Laboratory) we are going to talk about in this article have bettered millions of lives across the globe?

These inventions, which are way ahead of their time have been turned into reality only because of the push for space research otherwise you would have probably seen these iconic inventions maybe 50-100 years later.

Here are some really famous inventions by NASA and JPL that wouldn’t have been possible without space research and are definitely way ahead of their time:

Camera Phones

Thanks to the push for smaller-enough cameras to fit onto orbiter space crafts and on inter-planetary rovers for capturing images of celestial bodies, you now have a camera phone. This tiny camera in your hands was developed way back in the 90s thanks to the JPL.

Portable Computers

The first portable laptop was created as the GRiD Compass, an SPOC (Single Point Of Contact) computer that helped astronauts to work remotely from space without the need for many gadgets. It was later developed further to help run more advanced software which now powers your mobile phones and handheld devices.

CAT Scans

The ‘brain scans’ we take now were initially developed only for imaging purposes to capture radiographed images of alien topography from planets and asteroids. It was further redeveloped to manufacture CAT scanners and radiography for human-safe use.

Scratch-Resistant Lenses

Originally developed with diamond-hard coatings to protect aerospace systems from space debris, this technology is now used to manufacture your contact lenses and mobile phone screens to make them scratch-proof like Essilor lenses and Gorilla Glass.

Water Purification Systems

Water is life outside the Earth especially for the astronauts whizzing past Earth in the ISS since it provides them with hydration and oxygen for breathing.

Way back in the 1960s, NASA developed electrolytic silver iodizers to purify the drinking water and pee of astronauts to reclaim precious oxygen. Now, this technology is used widely to kill bacteria in swimming pools, water purifiers, and Jacuzzis.

Artificial Limbs

Everyone knows about the Jaipur Foot, but it is not as shock-absorbent as NASA’s artificial limb systems that are part of space suits and robotic arms that astronauts use to conduct extravehicular activities and robotic repair procedures.

This is what led to development of hydraulic limbs that paraplegic athletes use for mobility enhancement.

Home Insulation

Traditionally, homes used to use hay and foam insulations, but since space temperatures are harsher, NASA developed an aluminized polyester mesh in the 1980s called the Radiant Barrier to coat space instruments and the ISS to shield them from cosmic radiation and solar flares. This technology is now used in various homes and military bunkers.

Wireless Headsets

This technology was originally developed in the 1960s to help astronauts to communicate without wires and now this technology is what works in Bluetooth and wireless mice!

The Jaws of Life

This extrication tool that helps to free injured people from mangled vehicles in accidents and natural disasters was originally developed to help separate various sections of the Space Shuttle in times of emergency or critical repair spacewalks.

Freeze-Dried Food

NASA was the first in the world to freeze dry food that can last up to 9 months in space! It compresses food up to 20% of the original weight while retaining 98% of the nutrients. This is what led to the revolution in the food industry with foods that just need to be hydrated to cook.

Hope you liked this article! Share this information further with your friends!