One of the most exciting things about space travel is all the new inventions that come out of it. Even if we can’t see what’s happening on Mars or Venus, we can use some of these inventions to improve our daily lives here on Earth. Here are some examples:
Camera Phones
If you’re reading this on your phone, there’s a good chance that you owe your ability to do so to space travel. That’s because camera phones were invented in the late 1990s, and they’ve since become ubiquitous in our lives–and not just because they allow us to take selfies and send pictures of our food to friends. The technology has been used for everything from recording crimes and natural disasters (like earthquakes) as they happen, all the way up through helping scientists understand climate change by documenting its effects on Earth’s surface over time.
Scratch-Resistant Lenses
Scratch-resistant lenses are used to protect the eye from damage. They are usually made of polycarbonate plastic and can be found in eyeglasses and safety goggles. The first scratch-resistant lenses were created by NASA in the 1960s, when they needed a material that could withstand extreme temperatures and pressures while being used in space. The scientists who worked on this project were trying to find a way for astronauts’ eyesight not to be affected by the harsh environment of outer space, where there is no atmosphere or gravity (meaning no dust particles). After testing several different materials, they found that polycarbonate plastic was best suited for its purpose because it’s lightweight but strong enough so as not break under pressure; moreover, it doesn’t absorb water like other materials do–which means there won’t be any fogging up when you’re wearing them either!
CAT Scans
A CAT scan is an imaging technique that uses X-rays to create a cross-sectional image of the body. The acronym stands for Computed Axial Tomography, but you probably know it better by its other name: Computerized Axial Tomography. CAT scans have been used since the 1970s and have become one of the most common medical imaging techniques today. They’re used to diagnose tumors and other diseases in organs like the brain or lungs, as well as injuries or bleeding in soft tissue areas like muscles or joints. The images produced by these devices allow doctors to see areas inside their patients’ bodies without cutting them open–which means less pain and trauma for patients!
LEDs
LEDs are light-emitting diodes. They’re used in a wide range of applications, from LEDs that light up your computer screen to streetlights and traffic lights. The first LED was invented by Nick Holonyak Jr. in 1962, and it’s made from a semiconductor material called gallium nitride (GaN).
Land Mine Removal
Land mines are a common weapon used in war. They’re usually buried under the ground, so they’re hard to see and even harder to avoid. The explosion from a land mine can be deadly and cause long-term damage to people who survive it, including amputation or blindness. Land mines kill more people than any other weapon in modern warfare–about 20,000 per year worldwide–and they often go undetected for years after conflict ends, killing civilians who have no idea where they are walking or farming.
Athletic Shoes
Athletic shoes are a type of footwear that is used for sports and exercise. They are not the same as running shoes, which are designed with only one purpose: running. Athletic shoes are made for a variety of sports such as basketball, tennis, soccer and others. Athletic shoes have changed over time to meet the needs of different athletes who need different materials to help them perform better during their games or exercises.
Foil Blankets
Space blankets are thin sheets of aluminized Mylar, a reflective material that’s used in space to keep astronauts warm. They’re light, compact and reflect back 90% of your body heat. You can use them to cover yourself or someone else if you find yourself in need of shelter from the elements–like being stranded on an alien planet or something like that. Space blankets have even been used by hikers who want to stay warm without carrying much extra weight!
Dust Busters
The dust buster, a handheld vacuum cleaner, was invented by H. D. Smith in December of 1959. The dust buster is powered by electricity and is used to clean up small messes around your home or office.
Ear Thermometers
Ear thermometers are used to measure body temperature. Rectal, oral and axillary (underarm) thermometers are less accurate than ear thermometers because they don’t provide an accurate reading of your body’s core temperature. Ear thermometers measure the tympanic membrane (eardrum), which is located inside your ear canal. They provide an instant reading that can be taken with minimal discomfort or disruption to the patient. They’re ideal for infants, children and pets because they’re noninvasive–you simply place the probe into their ear canal for a few seconds until you hear a beep indicating that it has been placed properly; then wait for about 15 seconds for results! Ear-based measurements also have important clinical benefits.
Home Insulation
In the late 1800s, people began to build homes that were insulated. Insulation is used in homes to keep heat inside during the winter and cool air inside during summer. It’s also important for reducing energy costs because it reduces how much you have to pay for heating or cooling your home. Insulation comes from many different materials, including glass fiber, rock wool (basalt fibers) and cotton batting.
Wireless Headsets
You’re probably wearing one right now. If you’re listening to music or playing a video game, the odds are good that it’s a wireless headset (and if it isn’t, then I’m sorry). The invention of these devices has changed our lives in countless ways–and they wouldn’t exist without space travel. Wireless technology allows us to connect with each other from anywhere in the world at any time, which has led to innovations like Skype and FaceTime. But wireless headsets also make everything easier: they allow us to talk on the phone while driving; they let construction workers communicate with each other across large distances; they allow teachers and doctors at hospitals far away from home stay connected with their families back home during long shifts.
Memory Foam
Memory foam was invented by NASA in 1966. The space agency used it to cushion astronauts during liftoff, but it also found other uses for the material. Memory foam is now used in airplane seats and car seats, as well as mattresses and pillows. It’s everywhere!
In the end, we can say that the inventions of space travel have made our lives better. There are so many things that we use every day that would not exist without these advancements in technology. This includes everything from cameras and ear thermometers to athletic shoes and memory foam mattresses!
