RESOURCES
The NASA Lunar Landing project (especially the Apollo missions) spurred a vast array of technological advancements, many of which directly or indirectly impact our everyday lives. Here’s a detailed list of just some of technologies and innovations created as a direct or indirect result of the lunar landing program:
SPACE-AGE TECHNOLOGIES TURNED INTO EVERYDAY TOOLS
Smart Phones
NASA’s demand for lightweight, compact, and reliable computers spurred the development and miniaturization of integrated circuits, which are now the backbone of smartphones.
FREEZE-DRIED FOOD
Perfected for space travel, freeze-drying techniques are now used for backpacking meals, cereals, and even pet food.
GPS & WEATHER FORECASTING
Techniques developed for navigating and observing the Moon were adapted to monitor Earth’s climate, weather, and natural disasters.
FIRE-RESISTANT FABRICS
Fireproof materials used in astronaut suits and spacecraft interiors were adapted for use in firefighter gear and military uniforms.
CORDLESS POWER TOOLS
Black & Decker® collaborated with NASA to create battery-operated tools for collecting lunar samples, laying the groundwork for today’s cordless drills and vacuums.
SOLAR PANELS
NASA’s work on solar energy for spacecraft helped spur advancements in solar panel efficiency and commercial viability
WATER PURIFICATION
To support astronauts with clean drinking water, NASA developed portable filtration systems, which influenced the design of many modern water purification technologies.
WI-FI & CLOUD
While Wi-Fi wasn’t “invented by NASA,” it is considered a spinoff technology; Indirectly stemming from the research environment, problem-solving demands, and technical breakthroughs of the Apollo era.
CT SCANS & MRI TECH
Digital imaging processing techniques used in Apollo missions laid the foundation for non-invasive imaging technologies like CT scans and MRIs.
WEARABLES
Astronaut biometrics inspired the designs of wearable tech like smartwatches.
MEMORY FOAM
APOLLO MISSIONS:
Click on the patches to learn more about the Apollo missions
SPACE MUSEUMS
Titusville, FL
San Diego, CA
Tulsa, OK
