20 Things We Wouldn T Have Without Space Travel
Most of us take space travel for granted. We watch rockets blast off into the sky and land on the moon, Mars or other planets, and we think it’s all very exciting, but few of us realize the full impact that space travel has had on our day-to-day lives. In this article, we’ll explore 20 things we wouldn’t have without space travel.
The Internet
The internet is one of the most significant inventions of the last century, and we wouldn’t have it without space travel. The Advanced Research Projects Agency Network (ARPANET), which eventually led to the development of the internet, was created by the Department of Defense in the 1960s to enable communication between researchers working on space missions.
Global Positioning System (GPS)
The GPS technology we use every day to navigate and locate things wouldn’t exist without space travel. The first satellite-based navigation system, Transit, was developed in the 1960s to help submarines navigate underwater, and later became the basis for GPS technology.
Satellite Television
Satellite television allows us to watch hundreds of channels from all over the world, and it wouldn’t be possible without space travel. The first direct broadcast satellite, Syncom 2, was launched in 1963 and paved the way for the development of modern satellite television technology.
Weather Forecasting
Accurate weather forecasting is essential for planning our daily lives, and it wouldn’t be possible without space travel. Satellites provide essential information about the earth’s weather patterns, helping meteorologists make more accurate predictions.
Improved Aviation Safety
Space travel has led to significant improvements in aviation safety. The technology used in space travel has been adapted for use in commercial aircraft, making flying safer than ever before.
Artificial Limbs
The development of artificial limbs has been revolutionized by space technology. The robotic arms used on space missions have been adapted for use in prosthetic limbs, giving people who have lost limbs greater mobility and independence.
Invisible Braces
Invisible braces, which have revolutionized orthodontics, wouldn’t exist without space travel. The technology used to create invisible braces was developed by NASA to create better bonding materials for the construction of spacecraft.
Memory Foam
Memory foam, which is used in mattresses, pillows, and other products, was created as part of a NASA project to improve the safety of aircraft cushions in the 1960s.
Water Purification
Space technology has been instrumental in developing new water purification technologies. NASA developed a water purification system that uses iodine to kill bacteria during space missions, which has been adapted for use in developing countries where clean drinking water is scarce.
Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors are a common safety feature in most homes, and they wouldn’t exist without space technology. NASA developed a smoke detector that uses a light-sensing device to detect smoke and fires during space missions, which has been adapted for use in homes and buildings.
Scratch-Resistant Lenses
Scratch-resistant lenses, which are used in eyeglasses and other optical equipment, were developed as part of a NASA project to create stronger materials for spacecraft windows.
Improved Athletic Shoes
The technology used to create athletic shoes has been greatly improved by space travel. NASA developed a shock-absorbing material called Poron for use in spacecraft seats, which has been adapted for use in athletic shoes to reduce the impact on joints.
Faster and More Efficient Cars
Space technology has also been used to make cars faster and more efficient. The development of lightweight materials and computer-aided design has led to the creation of faster and more fuel-efficient cars.
Solar Panels
Solar panels are an essential source of renewable energy, and they wouldn’t exist without space technology. NASA developed the first solar panels for use in satellites and space missions, which has led to the development of modern solar panel technology.
Improved Cordless Tools
The technology used in cordless tools has been greatly improved by space travel. NASA developed lightweight and durable materials, as well as small, high-performance motors for use in spacecraft, which has been adapted for use in cordless tools.
Ear Thermometers
Ear thermometers, which are now commonly used in hospitals and homes, were developed as part of a NASA project to create a non-invasive means of measuring the temperature of planets and stars.
Portable Computers
The development of portable computers wouldn’t have been possible without space travel. NASA needed lightweight and portable computers for use in space missions, which led to the development of laptops and other portable devices.
Improved Firefighting Equipment
Firefighting equipment has been greatly improved by space technology. NASA developed a fire-resistant material called Nomex, which has been adapted for use in firefighting equipment to protect firefighters from heat and flames.
Long-Lasting Batteries
The development of long-lasting batteries has been revolutionized by space travel. NASA developed new battery technology to power spacecraft, which has been adapted for use in consumer electronics, allowing us to use our devices for longer periods without needing to recharge.
Conclusion
It’s clear that space travel has had a significant impact on our daily lives, from the technologies we use to the materials we rely on. These 20 things are just a few examples of the countless ways that space travel has changed our world for the better.