Thankfully Fossum and his colleague Sabrina Kemeny were persistent.
They started the company Photobit and spearheaded the use of CMOS sensors in industrial and commercial applications.
Theirwireless headsetsare a staple in offices everywhere.
iHealth/Apple/Invisalign
At NASA’s request, various modifications were made over the years, including the introduction of laptop fans.
LED Innovations
NASA didn’t invent the LED.
Want a freeze-dried fact for the road?
NASA/Photobit
The latter, DHA, became crucial in producing improved baby formula and, later, fortifying milk.
It was a tiny hand-held vacuum that ran off an internal battery.
That wave of consumer battery-powered tools was powered byresearch undertaken on behalf of NASA, however.
NASA/Dynamic Systems
Maybe one day, they’ll even inventa smoke detector that doesn’t expire.
The material in question istranslucent polycrystalline alumina (TPA).
It was originally discovered by NASA while researching ultra-strong polymers that could cover radar equipment without diminishing signal transmission.
NASA/Poly
Later, companies like Invisalign made alignment trays that covered the entire tooth without connective wires.
And while that’s a significant contribution to dentistry, it’s hardlythe only one NASA has made.
There’s a reason that shiny-metal-foil look is inseparable from the space program.
The Smithsonian Insitute/NASA
Which, given NASA’s long history ofspurring textile innovation, is no surprise.
If you’ve read over these highlights with interest, we’d highly recommend you check outNASA Spinoff.
And if ever the question of “Is NASA worth it?”
NASA/Foster Grant
should cross your mind, it’s about as much of a slam dunk investment as you’ll find.
Looking over just this list, no doubt, it’s easy to see why.
NASA
NASA/Industrial Designers Society of America
NASA/AMC
NASA/RadiaSource
