7/23/2019 NASA Shuttle Innovations

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Instruments in

space observatories

measure the infrared

heat from distant

galaxies to reveal

information about their

composition. Medical

personnel use a similarkind of detector to take

patients temperatures

quickly and accurately.

Red light emitting diodes

(LEDs) emit high-intensity

radiation, create little heat,

and last a long time, making

them perfect for growing

plants in space. The same

light is used to stimulategrowth in human cells and

has proven effective at easing

pain and treating cancer.

Since 1976, NASA has published

, a magazine dedicated

to highlighting the transfer

of NASA technology to the

private sector.

Space travel poses many unique challenges, which NASA scientists and engineers have overcome with

ingenuity. They have invented many technologies to support research and life aboard the Space Shuttle.

Some of these inventions have taken off as commercial products that even the Earth-bound can enjoy.

Aerogels insulate the shuttles

external tank vents quick-

disconnect valve, helping to

keep the liquid hydrogen

and oxygen at sub-zero

temperatures. Similar

material is used to insulate

mountaineering gear

and houses.

This banner was designed by George Washington University graduate student Devora Liss for a course in exhibition d

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