The Immediate Benefits Realized by Humanity in the Pursuit of Space Exploration
Bradley D. Fluharty
COM/156
September 30th, 2012
Dr. Nguyen Thinh

The Immediate Benefits Realized by Humanity in the Pursuit of Space Exploration

Research has indicated that technological developments associated with the exploration of space are far more reaching than previously imagined. Developments and innovations in the fields of health and medicine, public safety, transportation, and many other unassociated categories, are the direct result of man’s quest to inhabit celestial bodies other than the earth. Critics suggest that the economics involved in the research necessary to facilitate planetary colonization are profoundly wasteful, but developed technologies have immediate benefits for humanity.

Technologies developed by NASA are currently used in our doctors’ offices, operating rooms, and rehabilitation clinics, helping individuals, and professionals alike achieve a higher degree of health and wellness. “Olympians and professional and collegiate athletes can now avoid dangerous heat related illnesses during intense workouts” (spinoff.nasa.gov, 2009). This is the result of an indigestible thermometer pill that was designed by NASA to keep tabs on the core temperatures of astronauts during space flights. Since their inception, these pills can now also contain micro cameras which can assist doctors in the inspection of individuals’ digestive tracts.

LED chips (light emitting diodes), that were “originally used to grow plants on the International Space Station” (spinoff.nasa.gov, 2009), have been employed for their use to assist in wound healing and the alleviation of chronic pain here on earth. Other a successful applications of LED therapy include treatment “of pediatric brain tumors and the prevention of oral mucositis” (www.cancer.gov, 2012) in bone marrow transplant patients. Another useful spinoff in health and medicine was the use of sensitive, dexterous robotic arms and hands by surgeons. This was a direct result of technologies “developed with NASA funding for the use in conducting repairs on the International Space Station. This new technology enabled surgeons to insert titanium implants during a minimally invasive knee surgery procedure, that eliminates the need for traumatic joint replacement” (spinoff.nasa.gov, 2009).

Innovations and developments associated with NASA research have also been implemental in saving lives. It may be hard to believe, but rocket engine technology has helped to keep hearts pumping. “The MicroMed DeBakey DAV, a device developed with NASA technology, pumps blood throughout the body to keep critically ill patients alive until a donor heart is available. This device has been successfully implanted in over 445 patients” (spinoff.nasa.gov, 2009).
“NASA, in collaboration with the cutting edge medical industry, derived this technology from supercomputer simulations of fluid flow through rocket engines. NASA’s research into blood pressure, which is a major concern for astronauts adjusting to Earth’s gravity after spaceflight, enhanced development of a blood flow boosting device to the brain during CPR , increasing the number of cardiac arrest patients delivered alive to hospitals by as much as 50 %” (spinoff.nasa.gov, 2009).

NASA’s innovations and developments also enhance safety and economy in transportation. Some of NASA’s innovations will be realized by the consumer, through the trickle-down effect, and monetary savings through greater efficiency of aircraft, should be passed on to the passenger. Winglets, which are upturned wingtips, are lifting devices designed to “take advantage of the turbulent vortex flow by producing forward thrust. This technology was developed as a joint venture by NASA and the aeronautics industry. NASA conducted tests in the 1970s, to optimize the shape of trucks to achieve reduced aerodynamic drag and improved efficiency” (spinoff.nasa.gov, 2009). The easily recognizable design of the modern semi-truck, with its softened leading edge, greatly improves the vehicles’ fuel efficiency.

The electric vehicles introduced into the marketplace today can be directly associated to NASA’s contributions and “engineering experience in the development of advanced battery management systems” (spinoff.nasa.gov, 2009). A fleet of zero emission vehicles were tested, and led “to a series of commercially available, purpose built, lithium electric autos aimed at the urban and commuter environments” (spinoff.nasa.gov, 2009).

NASA’s contributions will also enhance the safety of the public during transportation. Fluids have been developed that
“prevents ice before it forms. Environmentally friendly anti-icing fluids, invented by NASA, reduce the propensity of hazardous ice from building up on airplane wings, improving safety while saving time and money. This fluid is now available as a spray for automobile windshields, providing protection from icing down to 20°F. NASA, along with research partners in the aeronautics industry, has created three-D displays for pilots which provide clear vision regardless of outside conditions. This system is now commonplace in small aircraft all over the world. It works by creating a computer- generated view of the surroundings, as well as flight plans and feedback about the area outside of the aircraft. NASA has also developed the Future Air Traffic Management Concepts Evaluation Tool (FACET) which alerts dispatchers to impending demand versus capacity imbalances. This software will help controllers anticipate and act to relieve congested airspace and delays at airports” (spinoff.nasa.gov, 2009).

The consumer market has also been positively affected by innovations associated NASA’s developments pertaining to the exploration of space. Some of these developments have a direct Association with the consumer’s comfort (spinoff.nasa.gov, 2009). Research into temperature controlling textiles for spacesuits has led to many developments in fabrics. These fabrics are now used in ski apparel, socks, bedding, and business suits, keeping those wearing them comfortable in a number of settings. When I first heard about NASA’s involvement leading to the development of foam mattresses, I was extremely skeptical. I could not visualize why space mattresses had to be formfitting to accommodate zero gravity. I have learned through my research that this material was originally developed to increase comfort and safety in NASA aerospace vehicle seats. Not only does it now appear in mattresses and pillows, but also in protective sports gear, footwear, and prosthetics. NASA engineers can even be credited for developing the technology that enables the user to control devices remotely. Among these devices is the home oven. Not only can you now program your oven, but also you can start your dinner from the Web.

Other developments have enhanced the consumer’s play. Amorphous alloys (Liquidmetal Technologies, 2012) now exhibit the elasticity of plastics along with twice the strength of titanium. This material now appears in numerous products, which includes but is not limited to, golf clubs, tennis rackets, and baseball bats. Sunlight filtering lenses, developed by NASA in the 1980s for use in space, is now operated in over 40 styles of commercially available sunglasses. Revo® and Eagle Eyes® are just two of the companies currently manufacturing these products resulting from NASA technology (www.Google.com). Even environmentally safe lubricants developed for the crawler vehicle that carries a space shuttle to the Launchpad are now used in cars, on fishing tackle, and for simple jobs around the house.

One would be remiss if they did not make mention of the spinoffs of computer technology, as associated with the developments made by NASA in their quest to reach the stars (spinoff.nasa.gov, 2009). The gaming industry has benefited in no small way from NASA’s innovations. “The first miniature, wearable tracker for virtual reality applications was developed with support from NASA. Motion tracking technology used in simulation and training, entertainment applications, clinical and medical settings, and oil and gas discovery” (spinoff.nasa.gov, 2009), is now developed by a NASA partner. One would only have to assume that this would be associated with Wii® technologies. “Three-D data generation software, which was invented for the imaging and navigation of the surface of Mars, has led to publicly accessible geospatial views of cities: including every road, alley, and freeway” (spinoff.nasa.gov, 2009). This software, which was invented by NASA, is used for the generation of “three-D city maps used for municipal and commercial applications, and readily avails itself for incorporation into the gaming industry. A head- mounted, high resolution, three dimensional panoramic displays is now sold commercially for high-end virtual reality applications. Virtual surroundings created with support from NASA funding, appear in the viewfinder and respond to head movements” (spinoff.nasa.gov, 2009).

Software technology developed by NASA also has a wide range of other applications. “The creation of new, artificially intelligent product suites used to uncover errors in the early stages of software development saves time and money. NASA’s Metrics Data Program Data Repository stores problem, product, and metrics data, and has helped improve complex software systems. This software takes a predictive approach in eliminating errors in software code. NASA also helped develop a planning system that enables it to solve complex problems quickly by using artificial intelligence techniques. The original concept was for scheduling software to organize complex scenarios, thus resolving mission-critical scheduling issues. A NASA partner has modified the software and released it as a commercial scheduling tool” (spinoff.nasa.gov, 2009).

In its quest for safety and efficiency, and the economical use of its materials and resources, “NASA supported the creation of a simplified health monitoring approach for flight vehicles and equipment. The implemented software compares design predictions to actual equipment performance: to expedite detection of deterioration or impending failure before operation is impacted” (spinoff.nasa.gov, 2009). This technology, too, has been incorporated into the general aerospace industry, creating greater degrees of safety and economy.

There will always be critics to the money that our government appropriates for the exploration of space. One finds that if they were to label every item that they utilize in their lives on a day-to-day basis that was a direct result of the developments in association with our reaching for the stars, they would be utterly amazed. If these applications had been developed in the private sector, then the cost passed on to the individual securing the services, would be beyond the common man’s reach. If the legwork is done, one will find that money spent on the exploration of space is not wasteful; that the money is well spent on all of humanity.

References

http://spinoff.nasa.gov/pdf/HM_web.pdf http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/oralcomplications/HealthProfessional/page5 (Current Opinion in Cardiology: May 2000 - Volume 15 - Issue 3 - pp 166-171) http://journals.lww.com/co-cardiology/Abstract/2000/05000/Development_and_clinical_application_of_the.8.aspx http://spinoff.nasa.gov/pdf/T_web.pdf http://spinoff.nasa.gov/pdf/CH_web.pdf http://www.liquidmetal.com/ https://www.google.com/#hl=en&safe=off&sclient=psy-ab&q=NASA+related+sun+glasses&oq=NASA+related+sun+glasses&gs_l=hp.3...614458.626003.0.626451.24.21.0.3.3.0.416.3335.0j20j4-1.21.0.les%3B..0.0...1c.1.RzSsTTm00vE&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&fp=cc0242f8fe0a60ac&biw=1219&bih=641 http://spinoff.nasa.gov/pdf/CT_web.pdf