Things that were tested by astronauts before entering our everyday life
In our minds, space is something distant and completely alien to everyday life. In fact, it is all around us. And even things that we are used to using every day are created for astronauts, but we don’t know about it. I propose to consider a list of things familiar to us that were designed specifically for zero-gravity flights.
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Items that were previously reserved exclusively for astronauts
Developers work tirelessly to ensure that astronauts feel comfortable in orbit. For this clothing items are being modernized, high-quality dishes, gadgets and other devices are being created that people will use when going into outer space.
Having passed the test of weightlessness, they often become an attribute of everyday life, without which we cannot imagine our existence now.
Fasteners for clothes
Convenient Velcro, which made it possible to fasten quickly, was invented in 1914. Lightning bolts were made for the first time much later - in 1948. But in ordinary life they are still could not compete with the usual buttons. At first, the astronauts appreciated them. Velcro and zippers made it possible to quickly fasten the overalls, which were located under the spacesuit.
Later, ski enthusiasts appreciated the advantages of the fasteners. Their uniforms resembled those of astronauts. Then lightning entered our lives and became an integral part of it.
Car navigators
The principle of operation of the device is simple - we get into the car, say the address of our destination and move along the specified route. The scheme was developed in the 50s last century, when scientists noticed a signal from a satellite.
At that time, a basic rule was derived: knowledge of the exact coordinates on Earth indicates the speed of the satellite, and vice versa.
Brilliant idea formed the basis of modern GPS navigation. Today it is widely used in various fields of activity, including for domestic needs, when it is necessary to plot a route and get to the desired object.
Lenses that are resistant to ultraviolet radiation and scratches
Space is dangerous due to numerous dust particles, which are often large enough to damage an astronaut’s protective suit. Ultraviolet light is also harmful to the eyes of a person who has gone into zero gravity. That's why they were invented protective glass with cosmonaut protection function from UV radiation and scratches of moving fractions.
This happened in the 80s of the last century. After which fashionistas all over the world wanted to get glasses with similar functions.
Today, the development is used not only in astronaut suits, but also in welding masks, ski goggles and telescopes. Conventional sun protection accessories have also undergone significant changes and have become more reliably protected from ultraviolet radiation.
Battery powered tools
It is unlikely that there are sockets in outer space. That's why A wireless device was manufactured for the Apollo missions – drill.The developer was BLACK+DECKER.
Today it is difficult to imagine a worker, engineer or builder without a portable mobile tool. It is noteworthy that the same company later developed the world's first cordless vacuum cleaner.
Sports insoles
Special spacesuits were developed for the Apollo missions. The soles were springy - to accumulate stride force. After the completion of missions and flights to the Moon in 1972, no one needed the development.
But it was soon picked up by sports shoe manufacturers, including Nike. They decided to use a spring sole in running shoes. It helped the athlete absorb the energy of the step, which gives an additional push when lifting the leg off the ground.
Digital sensors
Today they are used to create photo and video materials from smartphones and portable cameras. And they were invented to reduce the size of cameras during interplanetary flights. Used exclusively in unmanned programs. At the moment, their use is extensive. Some medical devices were also made smaller using sensors.
Telescopic lift
We are used to seeing this on fire trucks. With its help, a huge number of lives have been saved around the world. But that’s not what the retractable ladder was invented for. Initially her used for the construction of large-sized launch vehicles. Later, it became firmly entrenched in the work of rescuers, and is also used in laying cables, moving small-sized cargo and repair work.
The space industry is still actively developing today. Many new things are being created that very soon they will become familiar to ordinary citizens.
