NASA, recognized for its space missions and advances in the exploration of the cosmos, managed to develop various technologies that transformed multiple aspects of our daily lives.Although primarily associated with rockets and satellites, the agency has also made significant advances in fields such as medicine and industry.
There are some technological inventions that had a significant impact outside the space field and you probably didn’t know they were developed by NASA.These products are a clear example that space exploration can have a positive impact on life on Earth, expanding the horizon of possibilities and continually improving human life on our planet.
- Infrared thermography: Originally developed to detect energy leaks in spacecraft, this technology is now used in thermal imaging cameras to detect abnormalities in the human body, such as tumors or circulatory problems. It is also used in industry to identify hot spots in electrical equipment and in agriculture to monitor the health status of crops.
- Water filters: NASA developed advanced water filtration technologies to convert astronauts’ urine, sweat and other sources of moisture into drinking water. These filters were adapted for use in areas with a lack of access to clean water, significantly contributing to public health in emergency situations.
- Orthopedic foam: Popularly known as “Memory Foam”, this foam was created by NASA in the 1960s to improve the safety of aircraft seats. Today, it is used in mattresses, pillows and orthopedic products, providing comfort and improving sleep quality.
- Wireless headphones: Wireless headset technology has its roots in NASA. During the Apollo missions, an efficient and safe way for astronauts to communicate without wires that could get tangled was needed. This technology expanded into the entertainment and sports industry, providing mobility and convenience to professionals and amateurs alike.
- Assisted breathing: The development of assisted breathing systems was crucial for space missions, and this technology was adapted for use in the medical field, especially in intensive care units and during surgeries. Modern mechanical ventilators, essential during the COVID-19 pandemic, rely heavily on these NASA developments.
The “Planet Killer” asteroid is approaching Earth: how and when it can be seen
An asteroid known as 2011 UL21, nicknamed “planet killer”, will approach Earth and can soon be observed live. Although this asteroid is the size of a mountain and will pass about 8 million kilometers from the Land on June 27, poses no threat to our planet. However, NASA maintains constant surveillance due to its size and proximity.
This asteroid has a diameter of 2.3 kilometers and is considered 99% larger than other near-Earth objects.. Also It is in the top 10 of the largest rocks that crossed the safe threshold of our planetsince 1900.
Any object with a diameter greater than 1,000 meters is considered especially dangerous. Because an impact of this magnitude could affect cities or trigger secondary climatic events around the world. Fortunately, 90% of objects of that size have already been identified by space agencies.
The European Space Agency estimates that the asteroid ‘(415029) 2011 UL21’ will pass near Earth on June 27Its closest approach will be 6.5 million kilometres away, which is 17 times the distance between our planet and the Moon. Astronomers have been studying the “Planet Killer” since 2011. Thanks to this, it is known that it completes 11 orbits around the Sun for every 34 revolutions made by the Earth.
According to Gianluca Masiastrophysicist and director of the Virtual Telescope Project (VTP)there will be a live broadcast of the event starting at 5pm (Argentina time) on Thursday June 27thAccording to estimates from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, The body will pass at about 6.6 kilometers, which means that it is the rock that will circulate closest to Earth in 110 years.
