50 Years of NASA-Derived Technologies (1958-2008)

Spinoffs of NASA

Whether you walk into your home, drive your car, visit your doctor or hospital, or indulge in recreation, you will likely come in contact with a product that is the result of technology first developed by NASA. NASA missions produce scientific and technical challenges that result in many technological developments. Since 1976, more than 1,300 documented NASA technologies have benefited U.S. industry, improved our quality of life and created jobs for Americans. They are called "spinoffs" as industry has taken the concept and applied it to commercial products. The Space Shuttle Program alone has generated more than 100 technology spinoffs, utilized by medical, environmental, automotive, sports, computer and refrigeration markets. Described below are some of the most noteable spinoffs, each in a PDF format that can be easily printed. If needed, click on the icon below to download Adobe Acrobat Reader to help open and print any PDF file:

NASA research drives innovation that improves health care.
The technologies featured in this section:

• Offer newfound surgical capabilities
• Improve hygiene and reduce expense
• Illuminate new paths to healing
• Coat leads on implantable medical devices
• Speed rehabilitation
• Support horses and humans
• Screen millions for vision disorders
• Improve exams, alleviate pain
• Enhance treatment possibilities

NASA-derived technologies enhance ways that we travel.
The benefits featured in this section:

• Deliver electric vehicles to market
• Increase helicopter stability
• Revolutionize truck design
• Ease and speed prototyping
• Perform complex design analysis

NASA makes our world safer.
The technologies featured in this section:

• Protect deep-sea divers
• Monitor strain and reduce cost
• Protect firefighters, military, and civilians
• Ensure safe environments

NASA research improves our quality of life.
The technologies featured in this section:

• Equip boat owners
• Make panoramic photography a snap
• Advance gardening at home and in space
• Reduce drag, break records
• Render 360º views
• Capture our imagination
• Maximize power and dependability
• Fortify nutrition worldwide
• Insulate missions and consumer products

NASA’s research helps sustain the Earth and its resources.
The technologies featured in this section:

• Locate environmental hazards
• Store clean energy
• Explore the farthest reaches of Earth and space
• Create safer drinking water
• Eliminate emissions
• Put the world at your fingertips

NASA’s work in advanced computing has led to many innovations.
The technologies featured in this section:

• Assist satellite designers 
• Simplify circuit board manufacturing
• Schedule missions, aid project management
• Analyze complex systems in real time
• Handle image data
• Offer a wide perspective
• Simulate sight
• Monitor tasks
• Bring Main Street to life
• Overcome harsh environments
• Improve network efficiency

NASA technologies aid industry.
The benefits featured in this section:

• Revolutionize the welding industry
• Increase productivity in harsh environments
• Analyze rocks and minerals
• Strengthen welds
• Boost high-temperature performance
• Build better nanotubes

Updated on July 6, 2009