5 SURPRISING inventions that come from NASA innovations that you didn’t know about

From cell phone cameras to memory foam, here are five technologies that NASA played a key role in developing.

The American agency National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) launches several space missions and places several satellites in Earth’s orbit. However, we often wonder how these activities impact our daily lives. What if we tell you that these space explorations have an impact on our lives, especially through the technologies we use every day? These technologies have their roots in the advanced scientific applications that NASA has developed for space missions. We’ve put together a list of some inventions you should thank the space agency for.

Cell phone cameras

In 1990, a team at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory was working to create cameras small enough to fit into spacecraft without taking up much space. The camera must also have high resolution to collect data. They developed complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor technology. Today, almost all digital cameras, including those on the GoPro and many cell phones, use CMOS technology.

Water purifier

NASA developed Aerospace Compound for astronauts to give them a better way to purify the water in space. Aerospace Compound combines several types of gland-activated charcoal and other ingredients. The water purifier we use at home is also inspired by NASA’s Aerospace Compound.

Memory foam

in 1966, the space agency developed tempering foam to absorb shock and provide protection on airplane seats. Today, the same foam is used for everything from helping bedridden patients get rid of bedsores to insoles.

Smoke detector

The sensor developed by NASA collects samples from the air to determine the presence of combustion particles. This technology is designed for use on Space Shuttle orbiters and is used by all of us as a smoke detector.

Wireless headphones

Wireless headsets can be seen as a modernized version of technology originally designed by the space agency for astronauts. Before this innovation, airline pilots used bulky and uncomfortable headphones. This led NASA to adopt a headset that fit seamlessly into an astronaut’s helmet without being too heavy.