Important NASA Inventions: From Mobile Cameras to Wireless Headphones

Important NASA Inventions: From Mobile Cameras to Wireless Headphones

You may be surprised to know that the various devices that we use on a daily basis were invented in the labs of NASA. NASA scientists have made many inventions in their search for safety, which we use on a daily basis.

Here we have discussed some important instruments invented by NASA. Which we are using almost every day.

Mobile camera

The camera we use in our cellphones was invented in the 1990s at NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab. A team led by scientist Eric Fossum succeeded in miniaturizing a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor.

These sensors were clearly superior to the use of charge-coupled device (CCD) sensors. CMOS is the sensor used for the camera in our cell phones. Now this sensor is used in CC cameras, video doorbells etc.

laptop

NASA did not invent the portable computer. However, it has played an important role in the development of laptops. NASA and American agencies were asked to prepare a computer with a 320*240 pixel screen Intel 8068 processor, 340 KB of RAM and external hard drive and floppy drive model support in agreement with the grid system.

NASA modified it at different times and finally the laptop arrived in its current form.

Scratch resistance and UV protective lens

Whether you have premium scratch resistance glasses or have seen safety glass used in garages, it is also a NASA invention. The sunglasses you are using or the helmet you are using while welding are all products of NASA.

NASA was to prepare a device to protect astronauts from ultraviolet light. NASA researchers collaborated with the Foster Grant Eyeglass Company in the 1980s to develop a non-scratch coating. The same material is now used in millions of eyeglasses.

A new dimension in LED

NASA did not invent the LED light. The history of LED winds prototypes is believed to date back to the beginning of the 20th century. First, in 1962, scientist Nick Holonyak Jr. invented the LED light.

NASA has spent a large amount of money for LED-based research to help astronauts in various researches. Astronauts have been assisted by red and infrared AED light to treat wounds on the International Space Station.

Infrared thermometer

A thermometer that shows the temperature of the body in addition to being placed on the forehead or near the ear was also made in NASA's lab. NASA prepared the thermometer in collaboration with Diatech Corporation and JPL.

NASA used to use the source of infrared energy for the method of measuring body temperature based on infrared technology. To make it easy, a gun-shaped infrared thermometer was prepared.

Dry food

If we have to go on a long journey, we take dry food with us. Since it does not spoil for some time and can be easily cooked or eaten anywhere, it has become everyone's choice. The ice cream we eat is also an example of this.

A method invented by NASA to preserve food for a long time has now proved to be very important. Because NASA has invested in research for freeze drying, freeze dried food is now in vogue. NASA sent freeze-dried ice cream into space during the Apollo 7 mission in the 1970s, which didn't come out that well.

 Smoke detector

Smoke detectors are famous all over the world for detecting smoke in any place. For this, NASA collaborated with Honeywell in the 1970s to improve the previous smoke detector and make it reliable.

NASA did this collaboration to focus on making a smoke alarm for the Sky Lab, which would give information about the fire in the lab. The same technology is now being used in most parts of the world.

Invisible braces

Like many other inventions including freeze-dried food, the invisible braces we use are also an invention of NASA.

The substance used in it is Translucent Polycrystalline Alumina (TPA). It is officially a substance discovered by NASA. NASA had discovered a material that could cover radar equipment without disrupting signal transmission.

The chemical invented for that is now being used in making invisible braces.

Improved tires

In the 1970s, NASA and Goodyear Tire collaborated to develop stronger materials for parachute shrouds used on Viking landers. When fiber was used in the radial tire, its capacity was 5 times more than that of the conventional tire.

The groove prepared by NASA was originally used for space shuttle landing to reduce skidding. Now it is used in roads, sidewalks and other concrete parts.

Wireless headphones

Almost all of us are using wireless headphones on a daily basis. Did you know, wireless headphones were invented in NASA labs in the 1990s. At that time, NASA contracted with ITT Labs to develop a portable wireless radio system, so that astronauts would not have to rely on chip-based communications to stay in touch.

Then ITT Lab prepared a model of Planktronic Aviation Headset. NASA connected it to the helmet and prepared a new type of headphone model. Gradually, the headphones were improved in wireless communication, added noise canceling technology and later became available in different models.