The Benefits of Space Exploration

The Benefits of Space Exploration

By: Austin Brewer

1The benefits of space exploration affect the lives of every American.

There have been many advances in the medical field.

2Technology was used to create compact laboratory equipment for hospitals and ambulances.

3Smaller devises were made to quickly analyze blood and other tests.

The smaller devises made the tests available for ambulances.

4Advances in the Space Shuttle fuel pump led to the development of the heart pump.

It is two inches long, one inch in diameter, and weighs less than four ounces.

5Kidney dialysis machines were developed as a result of a NASA-developed chemical process.

6Insulin pumps were bases on technology used on the Mars Viking spacecraft.

7Infrared sensors were developed to measure the temperature of distant stars and planets.

This led to the development of the hand-held thermometer.

When it is placed inside the ear canal, the thermometer provides an accurate reading in 2 seconds or less.

8Lighter artificial limbs are made from foam insulation used to protect the fuel tank.

This makes the artificial limb almost indestructible.

9Computer technology in space has led to improvements in imaging -- MRI, CATScans, and ultrasound.

This has helped Doctors to better treat their patients.

10NASA needed something to protect satellites from getting nicked by space debris.

This led to scratch-resistant lenses for eyeglasses and radiation blocking for sun glasses.

11Automatic blood pressure cuffs were developed to help monitor blood pressure for the astronauts.

Today you can find the device just about anywhere for an instant check of your blood pressure.

12Nitinol is used to make wearing dental braces just a little easier.

Nitinol is a medical alloy that has the ability to spring back into shape.

13Space based technology will continue to enrich a wide range of medical improvements over the years.

It can continue to improve our quality of life by showing us new ways to treat our sick and injured.

14

15Works CitedCNN-From pacemakers to braces, the medical benefits of space exploration November 2, 1998

SPAACSE Benefits from space

NASA spinoffs, Bringing space down to earth

Spacecoalition.com

16