Tech News Summary:
– NASA’s annual Spinoff book for 2024 highlights the agency’s commitment to innovation and technology transfer, featuring several commercialized technologies that have evolved from NASA’s research and development expertise.
– Examples of NASA-enabled innovations include Squishy Robotics’ tensegrity sensing robots used by first responders, the development of the first wireless arthroscope, and advancements under NASA leadership campaigns like Artemis.
– NASA’s Technology Transfer Program ensures that the agency’s investments benefit not only the nation but also the world at large, with thousands of NASA technologies impacting nearly every American industry across various scientific disciplines.
NASA’s space technology has long been known for its contributions to space exploration, but now it is also revolutionizing earth medicine and the tools being used for the Moon to Mars mission.
The space agency has been working on technology that not only benefits astronauts on their space missions but also has significant implications for healthcare on Earth. One of these new technologies is the VITAL (Ventilator Intervention Technology Accessible Locally) device, which was developed by engineers at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in just 37 days. This device is an easily manufactured ventilator that can be used to treat patients suffering from COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses.
In addition to medical advancements, NASA’s space technology is also being used to develop tools for the upcoming Moon to Mars mission. One notable example is the robotic arm that will be used on the upcoming Artemis mission to the Moon. This advanced technology will aid in the collection of rock and soil samples, as well as the construction of habitats and infrastructure on the lunar surface.
These advancements in space technology are not only expanding the scope of space exploration, but are also directly benefitting humanity back on Earth. NASA’s commitment to bringing space technology down to Earth is leading to innovative solutions that are revolutionizing both medical care and space exploration.