Space Technology – Spin-offs
Exploring space, whether from the ground, using space probes or sending people into space, requires cutting-edge science and often involves the engineering of new technologies. Such advances in science have been invaluable not only to our understanding of space, but also help humans in another important way – spin-offs.
A spin-off is something that is developed from another earlier project. Spin-offs from space technology have led to advances in areas such as health and medicine, transportation, clean energy, safety and computer technology. Let’s take a look at a few of the spin-offs we use today.
In the 1980s, NASA developed new materials for their space helmets that were resistant to scratching and filtered out harmful UV light. Today, these materials are used in sunglasses and ski masks.
Many of the cameras and smartphones we use today have special sensors for capturing light and producing the images we see. These sensors were first created by NASA in order to fit space probes with miniature cameras to capture images of our solar system.
When astronauts venture beyond the Earth’s atmosphere, monitoring their health from Earth is important. Some of the space technology developed to monitor astronaut health is now used in medical technologies on Earth.
During the 1960s and 1970s, NASA conducted a series of missions to discover more about the Earth’s moon. The missions cost more than US$25 billion and included the development of many new technologies. Many of these technologies are used by people today. These include freeze-dried food, cooling suits, integrated computer circuits and the development of new, heat-proof materials.
Many spacecrafts, space probes and other artificial satellites use solar cells to produce electricity. The same technology is used in the solar panels we use on Earth to produce clean, renewable energy.
Related Printables.
Galaxy Classification
The Big Bang
Brightness of Stars
The Sun
Planet Comparisons
Asteroids, Meteoroids and Comets – Comprehension
Solar System Crossword
Exploring Objects in Space
Space Exploration – Comprehension
Space Exploration Research Project
Design Your Own Spin-off!
Review – The Universe
Assessment Pack
• printable PDF
• answer key
• marking guide