25 Coolest NASA Discoveries That Changed Your Life

Posted by on February 4, 2013

Since its inception in 1958, it was made clear by the Space Act that the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) should go beyond studying just space ships. The law stipulated that its research and discoveries should benefit the general public. NASA has faithfully stuck with that precept. Today, you come in contact with products everyday that you probably didn’t know were the results of NASA research and development. These 25 coolest NASA discoveries that changed your life are just some of those everyday things we come in contact with that trace their origin back to the government branch commonly linked to space ships and telescopes.


Long-distance Telecommunications

Used for everything from communications and spying to research and development, with around 200 NASA satellites orbiting the Earth everyday, this technology has made it possible for us to stay in touch with people on the other side of the globe instantaneously.


Solar Energy

NASA formed a 28-member union called the Environmental Research Aircraft and Sensor Technology. Its goal was to build a remotely piloted aircraft, made to fly unmanned at high altitudes. The technology was to be flown using solar power so as to not add weight to the aircraft. Because of this invention, millions of homes are now equipped with crystal silicon solar power trimming down traditional energy expenses and reducing pollution.


Artificial Limbs

Artificial limbs came into existence as a result of the advancement of artificial muscle systems for use in NASA space robotic and extravehicular activities.


Ventricular Assist Device

NASA, in collaboration with Dr. Michael DeBakey, Dr. George Noon, and MicroMed Technology, invented a heart pump for patients waiting for a heart transplant. A heart donor is very difficult to come by so while the patient is on queue, the Ventricular Assist Device pumps blood until a heart donor is available.


Invisible Braces

Kids with braces have to endure taunts about being a geek and nerd. That is why this NASA Discovery come in so handy to those who don’t want to go through the ordeal of having a mouth full of visible metal. Invisible Braces translucent polycrystalline alumina was created by NASA Advanced Ceramics Research in collaboration with a company called Ceradyne to protect the infrared antenna of heat-seeking missile trackers.