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8/8/2019 From NASA to Life

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2/23

Matters of the Heart

Telemetry systems originally designed to monitor astronauts andspacecraft laid a foundation for the technology used in heart patientspacemakers. Moreover, NASA satellite communication technologyprovided the springboard that permits doctors to monitor and adjustimplanted pacemaker functions from outside the human body.Photo reprinted with permission from the Heart Rhythm Society.

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3/23

Forever Fresh

In order to grow plants in confined spaces like the Space Shuttle, a systemto remove ethylene (a natural hormone that, in excess, causes plants towither) is necessary. This NASA-sponsored technology can also be usedto increase the shelf life of fruits, vegetables, and flowers in storage unitsand display cases.

From NASA TO Life



4/23

Liquid Metal

Through a NASA-funded researchproject, a vitrified metal calledLiquidmetal alloy (also known as

metallic glass) was strengthenedand improved upon. With thestructure of glass, the elasticity of apolymer, and a strength more thantwice that of titanium, Liquidmetalis uniquely suited to themanufacture of sports equipment,jewelry, medical instruments, carparts, military equipment, andother beneficial products.

From NASA TO Life



5/23

Right on Target

Pointing-and-scanning laser beamtechnology developed to helpNASA space vehicles rendezvous

and dock with satellites has led tolaser eye surgery advancements.The FDA approved LADARVision

4000 system employs an eye-tracking device that offerssurgeons greater accuracy inreshaping corneas to correctnearsightedness, farsightedness,and astigmatism.

From NASA TO Life



6/23

NASAs MicromechanicsAnalysis Code (MAC)

technology allows scientiststo perform a one-stepstructural analysis of

composite laminates in aneffort to design safer and

stronger tires.

Various exhaust-measuring devices

developed with the aid ofNASA technology

for applications fromaircraft engines to spacemissions can double as

exhaust-measuringtools for cars.

NASA software hasstimulated quality

improvements and fasterdevelopment of cores

and molds to produceautomotive parts.

The automobile industrytook a gas-leak detection

system originally devised forthe Space Shuttles hydrogen

propulsion system andincorporated the technology

into the development andproduction of natural-gas-powered cars.

A NASA-developed antifog coating that has keptspacecraft windows clear

before launch is also beingused to prevent fog fromforming on car windows.

Automotive testing anddesign can be enhanced

by Structural Analysis(NASTRAN) program that

analyzes and predictshow car parts, systems,and body components

will perform (even beforeprototypes are built).

Driving into the Future

With assistance fromNASA, the self-contained

SmartPlugTM catalyticignition system was

created as a safer, cleaner,and more efficient

method of igniting fuelin combustion engines

than conventionalspark plugs.

Initially developed toaid rocket engine nozzledesign, a series of NASAcomputer programs also

can effectively analyze andaddress automotive brake

drum problems, thusleading to safer andmore durable brake

drum design.



7/23

Healing Light

By virtue of the NASA technologydeveloped to grow plantsexperimentally in space, lightemitted diode (LED) devices nowenable doctors to treathard-to-heal wounds.

From NASA TO Life



8/23

Weatherproofing the World

Using NASAs remote sensingtechnology and space-based radarsatellite information (in addition toconventional weather observationtools), a unique, high-resolutionweather and wave vector mapgenerates accurate, more reliableforecasts for hurricanes and otherweather events in near real time.

From NASA TO Life



9/23

Whats Cropping Up?

NASAs efforts to grow plantsin space contribute directly to

techniques that can increase cropyields here on Earth. For example,by propagating minitubers (potatoseeds) in special high-efficiency,pathogen-free growth chamberswith temperature, humidity,and light controls, farmers cangreatly accelerate the cultivationof potatoes.

From NASA TO Life



10/23

Cures in the Making

Thanks to a cell culture apparatusinvented at NASA for medicalresearch applications aboard theSpace Shuttle, scientists now havethe ability to create fragile, three-dimensional cell cultures that can

aid the study and treatment ofdiseases like cancer or Parkinsons.As the central chamber rotates andminimizes the effects of gravity,tissue samples grow in a mannersimilar to the way tissue developsnaturally in the human body.

From NASA TO Life



11/23

Picture Perfect

Video Image Stabilization andRegistration (VISAR) technology,originally invented by NASAscientists to study the Sun andEarths, weather systems, is

providing to be a valuable toolin law enforcement and othersecurity applications. VISAR-basedcommercial products can stabilizeand enhance video images,brighten dark pictures, and enlargeportions of pictures to revealpreviously hidden details withoutaltering the underlying footage.

From NASA TO Life



12/23

Counteracting CounterfeitsA hyperspectral image sensororiginally created to supporthuman exploration anddevelopment in space can nowanalyze images and inks on paperto help identify counterfeit money,passports, and documents.

From NASA TO Life



13/23

Through NASAresearch, commercial

airliners have access toGlobal Positioning System

(GPS) satellite data thatenable precise navigation

for air traffic control.

A NASA-developedhigh-speed digital audioprocessing system, whencombined with a personalcomputer, delivers three-

dimensional sound toair traffic controllersand airline pilots via

headphones.

Insulation created toprotect areas of the SpaceShuttle was the forerunner

of blanket insulation

designed to shield sectionsof airplanes from extremetemperatures and fire.

NASA wind tunnels havetested commercial airplane

designs to confirm wing/airframe integration andstructural integrity.

NASA expertisehas provided the

technological foundationfor reduction in bothinternal and external

aircraft noise, making lifequieter for both airlinepassengers and people

on the ground.

Fuel-efficient andrange-enhancing lightaerospace compositeshave also been applied

to civil aviation.

Several NASAtechnological

advancements served tosupport the development

of turbofans that havelowered aircraft fuel

consumption, noise level,

and emissions.

High-flying Innovations



14/23

Sweet Smell of Success

Miniature rose plants taken aboardthe Space Shuttle have produced afragrance unlike any Earth-boundrose. The essential oil from thisspace rose serves as a scentin perfume.

From NASA TO Life



15/23

Material Magic

Microencapsulated phase-change materials used to insulate NASA spacegloves are now being used in thermal clothing and footwear to protectpeople from excessive heat and cold here on Earth..

From NASA TO Life



16/23

Never Lost

NASA satellite technology, coupledwith NASA funding, has stimulated

the development of GlobalPositioning System (GPS) units fora variety of consumer applications,including the Personal LocatorBeacon (Micro PLB) transmittercarried by skiers, hikers, andothers to help search-and-rescuepersonnel determine their locationin case of emergency.

From NASA TO Life



17/23

Clean Air Action

As a natural extension of theethylene-scrubber system utilizedin plant-growth experiments

aboard the Space Shuttle, theAiroCide TiO2 air purifier usesultraviolet light and ethylene-gasremoval technology to destroy 98percent of irritants like dust mites(shown here), molds, and fungiand to kill 93.3 percent of airbornepathogens like Bacillus anthraci(anthrax).

From NASA TO Life



18/23

Cushy ComfortThe special NASA foam inventedto improve seat cushioning andimpact protection in aircraft hasbeen transformed into mattresspads, pillows, and other itemsdesigned to provide paddingand protection.

From NASA TO Life



19/23

Guiding Lights

Tests conducted at NASA

have stimulated advances inphotoluminescent technology andthe development of an innovativeinorganic phosphorescent materialused to illuminate emergencysigns, directional markers, andsafety symbols without electricity,maintenance, or a powerconnection.

From NASA TO Life



20/23

Temperature by TouchDevices like this infraredthermometer (which scans arterialblood through the skins surface)have arisen from super-thininfrared temperature sensorscreated for a research project inwhich NASA was a partner.

From NASA TO Life



21/23

Cordless Dream Machines

Portable drills wielded byastronauts on the Moon playeda role in the early developmentof rechargeable cordless drills,screwdrivers, and otherhousehold tools.

From NASA TO Life



22/23

Cool Shades

Sunglasses originally designed for NASA astronauts have been adapted forconsumer use. The specially coated, scratch-resistant lenses protect eyesagainst harmful infrared and shortwave blue light, and the titanium-alloyframes are comfortably lightweight and prevent allergic reactions.

From NASA TO Life



23/23

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