Though associated mainly with aerospace innovations, NASA holds a significant influence over daily life as well. Many people do not realize that everything from toys to sunglasses and even horseshoes have benefited from technologies originally intended for astronauts, shuttle flights, and other elements of space exploration. While some inventions stem directly from NASA and its collaborations, others simply involve vast improvements to existing designs. The following list contains a combination of technologies that went straight from NASA to consumers as well as ones that went on to streamline articles that were already available.
Grooved Runways:
Due to the Safety Grooving research program at NASA’s Langley Research Center, highway accidents under adverse weather conditions are down by nearly 85% in some areas. Aircraft tires have been measured to perform between 200% and 300% better when confronted with wet, slick runways. The program devotes itself to discovering ways of preventing hydroplaning, responsible for a number of car and aircraft accidents every year. Researchers discovered a method of creating thin grooves in concrete as a means of maximizing water runoff. Drier pavement means fewer hydroplaning-related accidents, and hundreds of airports and highways across the United States and the world have applied this system of grooves to astounding and relieving results. Beyond the vehicular, the groove method has also been applied to playgrounds, factories, refineries, and even swimming pool decks in order to reduce injuries from slipping.
Contact Lenses:
NASA, in conjunction with Paragon Vision Sciences, Inc., has developed hyperpurified delivery system – or HDS – technology as a means of learning more about polymer formation and testing how contact lenses operate in microgravity. HDS contacts do not contain water, resist deposits, and run a lower risk of harboring bacteria. Their rigidity renders them easier to handle and capable of keeping their shape longer than soft lenses and possess a structure that maximizes their oxygen efficiency. Paragon has furthered HDS technology by developing a contact lens that helps to reshape corneas without surgery while users sleep.
Outboard Motors:
Fishing and boating enthusiasts have NASA and Bombardier Motor Corporation of America for improved technology on outboard motors. Aluminum alloy initially created for the space shuttle and other equipment goes into creating strong, durable, and cost-effective pistons. Motors utilizing these pistons do not require oil changes, winterization, or regular tune-ups, and do not need any scheduled maintenance with normal recreational use any more than once every three years.
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