Anywhere you look around your home, it is very likely that at least some of the technology you find has its origins in NASA-related innovations. NASA spinoff technologies are commercial products and services developed in support of NASA through R&D contracts relating to patents, the use of facilities, technical support, or data and information. A collective focus on space research and exploration has created markets and technological advancements that have truly transformed the lives of many. Here are a few modern-day spinoffs and the value they have served in space exploration.
Materials & Manufacturing
Memory (Temper) Foam
A high-energy absorbing material with a soft cushioning texture, this material is a perfect choice for the interior of space vehicles. The foam design helps to withstand compression and provides crash protection for pilots. It can now be seen in domestic applications including, but not limited to, wall insulation, mattress toppers, cushioning in helmets, and seats.
Powder Lubricants
A solid-state lubricant composed of particles, thin films, coatings, and bulk materials, which helps minimize friction and wear between two contact and coupling surfaces. This is especially important as an oil-free alternative, as the powder state meets specifications relating to flexibility at different temperatures, low weight, and protective support for aircraft technology. It is now used inside turbomachinery such as refrigerators and turbochargers as a protective coating for oil bearings.
“The way I think about culture is that modern humans have radically changed the way that they work and the way that they live. Companies need to change the way they manage and lead to match the way that modern humans actually work and live.” – Brian Halligan, CEO, Hubspot
— Trueblogposts (@trueblogposts) September 2, 2020
Computer programs
Structural analysis programs
A vast library of software and programs designed to control and test the functions and parameters of spacecraft models and new developments. NASTRAN is a notable example of a system now applied in framework engineering, roller coasters, vehicles, and automated robotic technology, to name a few. The multidisciplinary structural analysis program is used by engineers for structural assembly modelling, automated structural optimisation, and high-performance computing.
Embedded Web Technology (ETW) software
ETW emerged from the merging of embedded systems and the World Wide Web. It was developed to enable connections between client and server systems across different hardware and software platforms. Space explorers could connect to space stations remotely from a web browser running on a personal computer. This software has been further adapted for data transfer between systems and can be seen in the emergence of digital devices such as ovens, fridges, and other smart technologies.
Satellite Search and Rescue
Search and Rescue (SAR)
This technological development was created for motion detection and surveillance of celestial bodies in space. It has now been integrated into satellite-aided search and rescue capabilities to save people in distress and reduce risk to rescuers in air, sea, or land operations. A few case studies and systems include:
FINDER 'Finding Individuals for Disasters & Emergency Response'
A tool developed through collaboration between NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate to help locate survivors of natural disasters. FINDER works by detecting small changes in a person’s heart rate and breathing. It is best used alongside other search methods such as canines, cameras, and listening devices.
DASS - 'Distress Altering Satellite Systems'
Another tool developed through collaboration between NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center and several space agencies. It is designed to assist search and rescue missions by detecting and locating distress signals from beacons integrated into aircraft, vessels, or individuals. DASS formerly contributed to the development of weather satellites and geostationary orbit systems.
"There's a silly notion that failure's not an option at NASA. Failure is an option here. If things are not failing, you are not innovating enough." -- Elon Musk
— Trueblogposts (@trueblogposts) September 19, 2020
Originally developed to better monitor astronauts and measure health parameters during space missions, including heart rate, blood pressure, and blood flow before flights. These systems are now used in medical clinics, particularly in cardiac rehabilitation wards. ICM has contributed to saving lives through careful physiological monitoring.
MRI Technology
In the mid-1960s, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory developed better methods to capture high-definition images of the Moon. They contributed to the development of digital image processing, which allows computers to enhance and modify images. This technique now has modern applications in medicine, particularly in the creation and enhancement of diagnostic images. Although not invented by NASA, these developments helped form the foundations of MRI and CT scan technologies.
Micro-electromechanical technology
MEMS 'Microelectromechanical systems'
Microelectromechanical systems are miniature machines, similar in size to integrated circuit chips, measuring between 1–100 micrometers. Developed by Evigia Systems, they help enhance communication signals between satellites. They also enable accelerometers and prognostic sensors designed to track industrial machinery conditions such as vibration, temperature, and mechanical shock. They are now commonly integrated into digital technologies such as printers.
Energy and Communication
Harnessing Solar Energy
Photovoltaic cells are solar cells made of semiconducting materials that convert sunlight into electricity. When sunlight is absorbed, electrons are released and solar energy is converted into electrical energy. Solar arrays may be positioned on the exterior of aircraft, such as upper wing surfaces, and are used for long-duration, high-altitude flights. There have been significant advances in pilotless green aviation technology, especially in response to environmental concerns.
Video Enhancing & Analysis Systems
Intergraph’s Video Analyst System and Barco Inc.’s Video Analyst system are examples of video imaging technologies developed with NASA involvement that improve real-time video analysis in multiple settings. These technologies have now been adapted for use in applications ranging from FBI satellite imaging to commercial surveillance systems.
So... Does it support climate change?
The integration of NASA’s innovations into both commercial and public sectors is increasing, emphasizing collaboration to address global challenges. NASA remains instrumental in raising awareness of climate issues through its research and outreach initiatives. There is currently a growing focus on leveraging these technologies to enhance fields such as environmental monitoring, healthcare, and materials science.
Resources
(Article) How NASA’s Latest Technologies Are Revolutionizing Our World
NASA has a long history of developing cutting-edge technologies for space exploration, and many of these innovations have found practical applications on Earth. This article takes a closer look at those developments.
(Article) Technology Transfer and Spinoffs News
NASA’s spinoff technologies have had a significant impact on various fields, from medicine to transportation. This article hosts research papers and resources related to NASA spinoffs.
(Paper) Spinoff Papers
Visit the NASA Spinoff website to access the latest publications and learn more about how NASA technologies benefit life on Earth, available in PDF format.
Last updated: 01/01/2026
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5 comments:
As a kid, we would take field trips to the NASA facility near us. It was so amazing. Probably where my love of space began. So awesome to see them team up with companies like SpaceX.
Wow, that's a cool fact about the MRI technology being developed from NASA. I'd love to go to a facility for a tour. I live pretty close.
We live 10 minutes from a NASA branch and the tours they give are amazing. They also offer so many internships. There is more there to learn than I ever could!
Your list is huge and well put together. I know it had to take so much time!
What a very interesting thing to know about NASA. My kids love watching a documentary about this.
Wow! There's so many things I didn't know about NASA. I wish I can be an astronaut too! So nice!
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