Shuttle Spinoffs

www.nasa.gov

Space

Space technology benefits you every day in a variety of ways. Since 1976, over 1,600 documented NASA technologies have 

benefitted U.S. industry, improved our quality of life, and created jobs. The Space Shuttle Program alone has generated more 

than 100 technology spinoffs. Some of the shuttle’s contributions are:

National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Land Mine Removal Device: 

The same rocket fuel used to propel the 

space shuttle skyward helps save lives on 

Earth by destroying land mines. Created 

from leftover fuel donated by NASA, 

an explosive flare is placed next to the 

uncovered land mine, then ignited from 

a safe distance using a battery-triggered 

electric match. The explosive burns 

away, disabling the mine and rendering 

it harmless.

Video Stabilization Software:

When law enforcement officials 

needed help clarifying crime-scene 

video, NASA assisted with high-tech 

image processing technology used to 

analyze space shuttle launch video. 

This software removes defects due 

to image jitter, rotation, and zoom 

in video sequences, and may also be 

useful for medical imaging, scientific 

applications, and home video.

Prosthesis Material:

Foam insulation used to protect the 

shuttle’s external tank is now available 

to produce master molds for prosthetics. 

Replacing heavy, fragile plaster, this new 

material is light, virtually indestructible, 

and easy to ship and store.

Life-saving Light:

Children suffering from brain tumors may 

receive relief from lighting technology 

originally developed for space shuttle 

plant experiments. Doctors at the Medical 

College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee are 

studying the ability of these light-emitting 

diodes to kill cancerous tumors in a process 

called photodynamic therapy.

Automotive Insulation:

NASCAR racecars shield drivers from 

extreme engine heat using materials 

from the same thermal protection system 

used to safeguard NASA astronauts 

onboard the space shuttle. Their lives 

depend on it. 

Home Insulation:

Homeowners are insulating their 

homes with the same lightweight, 

flexible aerogel NASA uses to 

insulate cryogenics on space shuttles. 

The insulation is many times thinner 

and more effective than standard 

fiberglass insulation, yet can be 

handled and installed with the same 

traditional methods.

For more information about NASA spinoffs, please visit spinoff.nasa.gov. 

Artificial Heart: 

More than 200 patients received a second chance 

at life with tiny heart pumps developed from space 

shuttle fuel pump technology. Just 1 inch in diameter 

and weighing less than 4 ounces, the miniaturized 

ventricular assist pumps were developed by NASA 

and renowned heart surgeon Dr. Michael DeBakey.

Green Lubricants:

Sporting equipment and cars 

are kinder to the environment 

with NASA’s high-performance, 

biodegradable lubricants developed 

for the enormous crawlers that move 

the space shuttles to and from the 

launch pads in Florida.

Firefighting Infrared Camera:

Firefighters locate hot spots in 

wildfires by scanning the flames 

with this sensitive infrared 

handheld camera, first used by 

NASA to observe the blazing 

plumes from shuttles. 

Rescue Tool:

Rescue squads use a new handheld cutter to remove 

accident victims from wrecked vehicles. Based on a 

miniature version of the explosive charges used to 

separate the shuttle from the solid rocket boosters 

after launch, this device requires no auxiliary power 

or cumbersome hoses, and it costs 70% less than 

previous rescue equipment.

NP-2009-04-575-HQ