What's new

Closed 8 Brilliant Things You Never Knew Were Invented by NASA

Status
Not open for further replies.
J

Jeanh

Guest
01-NASA-inventions-memory-foam-sl.jpg
Memory Foam
NASA engineers wereYou do not have permission to view the full content of this post. Log in or register now. a material for aircraft seats that would absorb shock and protect astronauts during powerful takeoffs and landings. Charles Yost, an aeronautical engineer, discovered the "slow springback foam" matched any pressure exerted on it and was excellent at absorbing impact. Today, memory foam is used in everything from helmets to mattresses.




02-NASA-inventions-the-dustbuster-sl.jpg
The Dustbuster
Well, at least the technology behind it it. One of the most important tasks for astronauts landing on the moon was to collect samples of moon rock and soil. To drill into the moon’s crust they would need a powerful, cordless mechanism that was also compact enough to travel to the moon.You do not have permission to view the full content of this post. Log in or register now. to design an appropriate device. They wound up creating a battery-powered drill. The success of the drill led the Black & Decker researchers to investigate other uses for this portable power, which led to the invention of the Dustbuster.




03-NASA-inventions-scratch-resistant-eyeglasses-sl.jpg
Scratch-Resistant Lenses
In 1972, the FDA issued a regulation that all eyeglasses must be shatter proof, which meant lenses could no longer be made from glass. Plastic lenses were extremely prone to scratching, so the eyeglass industry immediately began researching ways to prevent scratched lenses. Around the same time, NASA was developing an You do not have permission to view the full content of this post. Log in or register now. to protect the visors of astronauts' helmets and other space equipment. In 1983, eyeglass manufacturer Foster-Grant purchased a license from NASA for the scratch-resistant coating. Today, almost all eyeglasses and sunglasses feature plastic lenses with this technology.




04-NASA-inventions-infrared-thermometer-sl.jpg
Infrared Thermometers
Scientists applied the same technology used to measure heat emitted by planets and stars to You do not have permission to view the full content of this post. Log in or register now. that used infrared technology to detect the heat emitted by the eardrum. Infrared thermometers worked much more quickly than traditional mercury thermometers. And because they could detect temperature through the ear instead of through mucus membranes, they greatly reduced the likelihood of germs being spread.




05-NASA-inventions-the-super-soaker-sl.jpg
The Super Soaker
Astronauts don’t have water fights in space. But NASA employee You do not have permission to view the full content of this post. Log in or register now. did discover the design that has made the toy such a powerful squirter. Johnson was researching a new type of heat pump that could be powered by water instead by gas when he discovered that the new device shot water with incredible power. He saw a huge investment opportunity, and patented his water pumping design in the early 1980s. The device has netted nearly a billion dollars in its decades of sales.




06-NASA-inventions-uv-sunglasses-sl.jpg
UV-Protected Sunglasses
In the 1980s, scientists at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Labs were tasked with finding a way to protect astronauts’ eyes from the intense sunlight they experience on the job. You do not have permission to view the full content of this post. Log in or register now., known for their incredible eyesight and accuracy, and discovered that their eyes secrete an oil that acts as a film to guard against harmful ultraviolet rays. The scientists used this to create a film that could be applied to sunglasses. Today, many eyeglasses and sunglasses companies utilize UV protection coatings.




07-NASA-inventions-invisible-braces-sl.jpg
Invisible Braces
Clear braces are made from a material called translucent polycrystalline alumina, which was developed to insulate the infrared antennas of You do not have permission to view the full content of this post. Log in or register now.. This form of transparent ceramic is as durable as metal or plastic, but more aesthetically pleasing.




08-NASA-inventions-pavement-safety-grooving-sl.jpg
Pavement Safety Grooving
Everyone has seen this simple design: grooves etched into the sides of highways and bridges that wick away water to help prevent cars from hydroplaning. This ingenious technology was You do not have permission to view the full content of this post. Log in or register now. to aid in aircraft landings in the 1960s, when a scientist discovered that etching grooves into the pavement improves traction (essential when landing aircraft at extreme speeds).
 

Attachments

Dear @Jeanh,

Since 2 years have passed since the last reply in this thread, I am locking it to prevent necroposting. Feel free to start a new thread or contact any forum staff if you want this to be reopened.

Thread closed.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

Back
Top