NASA's Technological Spin-offs
NASA's technological innovations have permeated everyday ---, often in unexpected ways. The camera in a cellphone, for instance, owes its existence to research conducted at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in the early 1990s. A team at JPL developed sensors to enable smaller and more efficient cameras for spacecraft, which eventually found their way into smartphones and consumer digital cameras.
Today, virtually every photo and video taken is made possible by technology that originated in the space program, according to Tom Cwik, NASA JPL Chief Technologist. Cellphone GPS software, initially developed by NASA to determine satellite orbits with centimeter-level accuracy, is now used in numerous phone location apps.
NASA's influence extends to the cosmetics industry as well. A bacterium discovered by NASA JPL, used for sanitizing Mars-bound spacecraft, was licensed by a company to develop an ingredient that boosts SPF in sunscreen and anti-aging benefits in skin care products. The space agency's contributions to food technology are also noteworthy.
Retro "Space Food Sticks," released by Pillsbury in 1969, were part of NASA's development for foodstuffs in space. The orange-flavored Tang drink mix gained popularity in the 1960s after being selected by NASA for space ← →
What does taking a selfie and going into space have in common? More than you might think. It turns out the camera in your cellphone made its way to ...Related perspectives: Visit website
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