Spinoffs from the Space Shuttle Program
Artificial Heart — The technology used in Space Shuttle fuel pumps led to the development of a miniaturized ventricular assist pump by NASA and renown heart surgeon Dr. Michael DeBakey. The tiny pump -- 2-inches long, 1-inch in diameter and weighing less than four ounces -- is currently under going European clinical trials where it has been successfully implanted into more than 20 people.
Automotive Insulation — Materials from the Space Shuttle thermal protection system are being used on NASCAR racing cars to protect drivers from the extreme heat generated by the engines.
Balance Evaluation Systems — Devices built to measure the equilibrium of Space Shuttle astronauts on return from orbit are now widely used by major medical centers to diagnose and treat patients suffering head injury, stroke, chronic dizziness and central nervous system disorders.
Bioreactor — Developed for Space Shuttle medical research, this rotating cell culture apparatus simulates some aspects of the space environment, or microgravity, on the ground. Tissue samples grown in the bioreactor are being used to design therapeutic drugs and antibodies. Some scientists believe the bioreactor will routinely produce human tissue for research and transplantation.
Diagnostic Instrument — NASA technology was used to create a compact laboratory instrument that more quickly analyzes blood, accomplishing in 30 seconds what once took 20 minutes.
Gas Detector — A gas leak detection system, originally developed to monitor the Shuttle's hydrogen propulsion system, is being used by the Ford Motor Co. in the production of a natural gas-powered car.
Identification System — Developed to track millions of parts used for the Space Shuttle, a digital data technology that allowed the parts to be scanned by machines has now been commercialized. The new system uses laser-etched markings that work on practically any surface that are invisible and virtually indestructible.
Infrared Camera — A sensitive infrared hand-held camera that observes the blazing plumes from the Shuttle also is capable of scanning for fires. During the brush fires that ravaged Malibu, Calif., in 1996, the camera was used to point out hot spots for firefighters.
Jewelry Design — Jewelers no longer have to worry about inhaling dangerous asbestos fibers from the blocks they use as soldering bases. Space Shuttle heat shield tiles offer jewelers a safer soldering base with temperature resistance far beyond the 1,400 degrees Fahrenheit generated by the jeweler's torch.
Land Mine Removal Device - The same rocket fuel that helps launch the Space Shuttle is now being used to save lives — by destroying land mines. A flare device, using leftover fuel donated by NASA, is placed next to the uncovered land mine and is ignited from a safe distance using a battery-triggered electric match. The explosive burns away, disabling the mine and rendering it harmless.
Lifesaving Light - Special lighting technology developed for plant growth experiments on Space Shuttle Spacelab missions is now used to treat brain tumors in children. Doctors at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee use light emitting diodes in a treatment called photodynamic therapy, a form of chemotherapy, to kill cancerous tumors.
Prosthesis Material - A commercial derivative of the foam insulation used to protect the Shuttle's external tank replaced the heavy, fragile plaster once used to produce master molds for prosthetics.
Rescue Tool — Rescue squads have a new extrication tool to help remove accident victims from wrecked vehicles. The hand held device requires no auxiliary power systems or cumbersome hoses and is 70 percent cheaper than previous rescue equipment. The cutter uses a miniature version of the explosive charges that separate devices on the Shuttle.
Vehicle Tracking System - Tracking information originally used on board Space Shuttle Spacelab missions now helps track vehicles on Earth. The commercial spinoff of the tracking software allows vehicles to transmit a signal back to a home base. Municipalities today use the software to track and reassign emergency and public works vehicles. It also is used by vehicle fleet operations, such as taxis, armored cars and vehicles carrying hazardous cargo.
Video Stabilization Software - Image-processing technology used to analyze Space Shuttle launch video and to study meteorological images also helps law enforcement agencies improve crime-solving video. The technology removes defects due to image jitter, image rotation and image zoom in video sequences. The technology also may be useful for medical imaging, scientific applications and home video.