BENEFITS FROM APOLLO
On the anniversary of the first moon landing in 1969 when Neil Armstrong said the iconic words when landing on the moon “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind”. It is important, at this time of new space exploration, to remember there are many benefits that the world today takes for granted, that came from the Apollo technology developed for the first moon landing. Our exploration of space whether it comes from commercial ventures or a willingness to conquer new limits will always have its “spinoffs” that will help mankind advance.
The world was captivated on July 20, 1969, when hundreds of millions watched through the lens of a compact camera built specifically for space as man planted his first step onto the lunar surface. Astronauts recorded details of the momentous occasion with special pens that allowed ink to flow freely in low gravity. Other technologies like breathing apparatuses, fabric structures, communications and protective coatings that made man’s step on the Moon possible soon led to giant leaps in technology on Earth.
NASA
NASA’s Office of Technology Transfer and Commercialization licenses space-age technologies and connects with the private sector through business-to-business partnerships for the creation of products that improve lives here on Earth. We will look look at a selection of those innovations, in a series of articles over the coming weeks, which will highlight the benefits of design and technology created by the Apollo missions.