Spacex recently tested their Starship SN8 and SN9 prototypes. These will eventually be fully reusable vehicles that transport both cargo and passengers on long-duration, interplanetary flights that take us to the Moon, Mars and beyond. Both rockets launched successfully, but exploded during attempted landings.
SpaceX’s recent tests of Starship prototypes have sparked debates about the value of space exploration. Despite successful launches, the explosions during attempted landings led some to question the allocation of funds for space endeavors instead of addressing pressing global issues like poverty and hunger. However, it is essential to recognize the significant impact of space exploration on everyday life since the 1950s. Aeronautics and space research have driven cutting-edge science, technology, and engineering, with innovations trickling down to civilian applications. NASA’s interactive website, Home and City, showcases several everyday products resulting from space exploration. In this video, we will explore five everyday products used in building construction that owe their existence to space exploration.
Shock Absorbers: The development of shock isolation systems or dampers in space missions to prevent arms from swinging violently led to the creation of seismic dampers used in earthquake-prone regions like San Francisco, Taiwan, and Tokyo.
Cordless Power Tools: Collaboration between NASA and Black and Decker led to the development of motors and batteries for cordless hand tools, resulting in the popular Dustbuster—a handheld vacuum cleaner with a lightweight, high-speed motor.
Fireproof Clothing: After a tragic fire incident during a launch pad test, NASA collaborated with Celanese Corp to create polybenzimidazole (PBI), a synthetic fiber with exceptional thermal and chemical stability. PBI is now used in firefighter gear, astronaut spacesuits, and aircraft wall fabrics.
Miniature Digital Cameras: A CMOS sensor, initially developed for space probes, revolutionized digital imaging and led to the creation of smaller, cheaper imaging chips used in smartphones, webcams, and digital cameras.
Aerogels: Originally developed as thermal insulation for spacecraft, aerogels have found applications in consumer goods like PrimaLoft jackets, cryogel blankets for wrapping pipes in extremely cold conditions, and Spaceloft blankets used as building insulation.
Space exploration has led to numerous innovations that positively impact humanity, contributing to population, environmental, resource, and energy solutions. While debates about funding priorities persist, the benefits of space exploration reach far beyond space missions, enriching and improving the lives of every individual. It is evident that space exploration knowledge holds significant potential for addressing global challenges.
Don’t forget to check out the Home and City website by NASA!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qwLHlVjRyw SpaceX
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zZ7fIkpBgs SpaceX
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1wvdA56bks Uresh Sheth
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuYoYl5kyVE Hubble
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvSOXX44Ym8 Monroe Australia and New Zealand
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xp2pGxFzrzI teratecinc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQnq7Utvtzk Black & Decker
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JPtEerqPnU NASA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0YB5r4vzVo Seeker
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rkw59hUAdw British Pathe
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlNg4205Tpc Extreme world
