TECHNOLOGY FOR CHANGE

10 Smarter Technologies from the Apollo Program That May Surprise You

Eric Lundquist | Date: 07-20-09 | Comments

While technologies such as minicomputers, micro-circuits and long range radio transmission are well known, here are 10 technologies that are lesser known but came as a result of the Apollo program.

First of all, thanks to the NASA Apollo spinoffs Website, which does a great job at keeping the historical record of Apollo spinoffs.

1. Cooling suits. Those race car drivers and people working in hazardous environments that need suits to keep cool can look back to Apollo moon walks.

2. Kidney dialysis. No, Apollo science did not invent dialysis machines, but the technology used in recycling fluids made dialysis much more affordable and portable.

3. Conditioning equipment. Even better than the Total Gyms sold on late night television was the conditioning equipment developed to keep astronauts in shape.

4. Athletic shoes. Harder outshell and blow-molded construction. Where did that come from? Take a look at the Apollo astronaut's shoes.

5. Houses that are cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Special reflective insulations developed for Apollo are now part of residential construction energy saving techniques.

6. Clean water. Water purification techniques developed for Apollo are now part of worldwide purification practices.

7. Freeze dried foods. Even more important than Tang were the foods preserved by this Apollo-developed technique.

8. Flame resistant textiles. This was born of an Apollo tragedy but the flame resistant material developed by Apollo are now saving firefighters' lives.

9. The big green tent. Ultra-strong weaving and material techniques you now see on many portable and permanent tent-like structures are courtesy of Apollo.

10. Hazardous gas meters. Developed by Apollo and now protecting workers from killer gases.

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