Super Moms Face Challenges TOGETHER

In Pursuit of Pure Science

Tech Hero

by Michael Penner

NASA needs $2 billion dollars a year over the next 4 years to help America maintain it’s leadership roll in space. As of this writing, it doesn’t look like that funding is going to come through. Russia and our European allies are eager to take the lead, and plans are already in the works as this relates to the decommissioning of the Space Shuttle fleet late next year.  As other countries start to take over what has traditionally been a decidedly American roll, it will be interesting to see what spin-off technologies they produce that benefit the rest of us. As the financial disaster that was 2009 comes to a close, here are a few of over 1600 things that our Space Shuttle program alone has given to us (and don’t forget the jobs these things have helped create) in its pursuit of pure science:

Artificial Heart: developed from space shuttle fuel pump technology. Just 1 inch in diameter and weighing less than 4 ounces, the miniaturized ventricular assist pumps were developed by NASA and renowned heart surgeon Dr. Michael DeBakey.

Green Lubricants: biodegradable lubricants developed for the enormous crawlers that move the space shuttles to and from the launch pads in Florida.

Rescue Tool: Rescue squads use a new hand-held cutter to remove accident victims from wrecked vehicles. Based on a miniature version of the explosive charges used to separate the shuttle from the solid rocket boosters after launch, this device requires no auxiliary power or cumbersome hoses, and it costs 70% less than previous rescue equipment.

Home Insulation  (does it get any closer to home than this?): Homeowners are insulating their homes with the same lightweight, flexible aerogel NASA uses to insulate cryogenics on space shuttles. The insulation is many times thinner and more effective than standard fiberglass insulation, yet can be handled and installed with the same traditional methods.

Video Stabilization Software:When law enforcement officials needed help clarifying crime-scene video, NASA assisted with high-tech image processing technology used to analyze space shuttle launch video.

It goes far beyond the small list here. I can’t think of a better investment of my tax dollars than one with a return that improves my quality of life. To see it all, go to http://www.nasa.gov/topics/nasalife/index.html