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Smoke Detector
Originally installed on the Skylab space station in early 1970s to alert crew members of unexpected fumes, smoke detectors are now required by law in every U.S. residence to prevent house fires.
Cordless Tools
Recruited by NASA in 1971, Black & Decker constructed cordless, battery-powered instruments that allowed Apollo astronauts to collect lunar samples more easily during risky space walks.
Orthodontic Braces
A nickel and titanium “memory metal” known as Nitinol, originally developed by NASA for aerospace uses, is quickly replacing traditional steel dental braces. This new alloy does not crimp when bent and returns to its original shape as teeth shift!
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Ear Thermometer
In an effort to identify newborn suns, NASA replaced standard mercury-filled thermometers with infrared-sensing cameras to detect tricky heat signatures.
Swipe Cards
Software that was created to handle multiple onboard systems — that is, being able to recognize data coming from different sources and identifying those sources — is the basis for the strip technology that can be found on most credit and debit cards.Photos by Jupiterimages Unlimited.
