How space is changing life on Earth
The space agency’s online publication, "Spinoff 2013," tells us that “there’s more space in your life than you think.” Here are just four ways in which NASA technology has changed life on Earth:
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Comfy car seats: NASA developed “neutral body posture” standards to design flight systems supportive of human health and safety. In its quest to make drivers happy, Nissan used the NASA standards while developing a new driver’s seat. Commercials for the Nissan Altima (models start at about $22,000) feature drivers floating in the air.
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No sweat: NASA investigated material that could maintain comfortable temperatures for use in spacesuit gloves. A Boston-based company, Ministry of Supply, developed shirts that incorporated the same technique to wick away moisture and control odors. The shirt is available (for $98) in white and blue.
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Water in space: File this under too much information. On the International Space Station, complex systems “collect and recycle moisture from every possible source—including sweat and urine—to be filtered for recycled use,” according to "Spinoff 2013." We don't need quite that much filtration in our lives on Earth. But OKO, a California-based company, uses NASA filtration with a bottle ($22.95) that purifies water.
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Solar powered refrigerators: How can health officials working in remote parts of the world keep lifesaving vaccines cool? A former NASA employee founded a company in 1999 that has delivered an answer. SunDanzer DC Powered Refrigeration makes a nonbattery solar-powered refrigerator ($2,450) that can be used in villages with little access to electricity.
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