Inventions We Wouldn't Have Without Space Travel
Space travel has been a fascinating and ongoing scientific endeavor since the 1950s. It has led to major advancements in various fields such as medicine, engineering, and technology. The space program has played a crucial role in the growth and progress of humanity by enabling us to explore space and innovate in new and exciting ways. Here are some of the inventions that we wouldn't have without space travel.
Satellite Television
Television has been a part of our lives for decades, but did you know that it owes its advancement to space travel? The first satellite television signal was transmitted from space in 1962 when Telstar, the first communications satellite, was launched into orbit. This led to the creation of the telecommunications industry, which revolutionized the way we communicate and entertain ourselves today.
GPS Navigation
Global Positioning Systems (GPS) are used in almost all aspects of our lives today, from using navigation apps to finding our way around a new city to tracking our fitness goals. GPS technology was developed by the United States military in the 1970s to track and navigate their satellites in space. Today, however, GPS technology is used for various civilian applications, and it's essential to our day-to-day lives.
Scratch-Resistant Lenses
If you wear prescription glasses, your lenses are more than likely made of polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is a durable and lightweight plastic, which was developed for use in the space program in the 1970s. It was used for space helmet visors and then later adapted for use in glasses, making them more durable and scratch-resistant than traditional lenses. This made polycarbonate lenses a staple in the eyewear industry.
Invisible Braces
The invention of invisible braces, also known as Invisalign, has revolutionized the field of orthodontics. Invisalign was invented in the 1990s by Zia Chishti, who used 3D imaging technology that was initially created by NASA to map the surface of Mars. This technology was then adapted for use in creating customized clear aligners that are now the go-to choice for those seeking orthodontic treatment.
Memory Foam
Memory foam is a type of cushioning material that is soft and contouring. It was first created by NASA in the 1960s to improve the safety of aircraft cushions and then later adapted for use in mattresses, pillows, and other household items. Memory foam is a common choice for those with medical conditions that require pressure relief, and it's also commonly used in the bed industry for its exceptional comfort.
Conclusion
In conclusion, space travel has led to numerous advancements that have revolutionized our lives. The inventions that we mentioned above are just a few examples of how space exploration has impacted our daily lives. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovations that will shape our future.
