BENEFITS
Advanced technologies originally developed for space programmes have been found to have many uses here on Earth by providing intelligent solutions for non-space organisations. These developments have had a great impact on our daily lives and have brought improvements to key industries such as transport, communication and health.
Discover how space technology has had an impact on your life!
Developed for the comet lander Philae, part of the Rosetta mission, this magnetic ball valve is now being mass produced for purifying contaminated water.
A technology originally devised to detect the water retention of astronauts is being used to measure the level of water retention in hams.
Fuel cells developed for applications on Mars can also be used to produce eco-friendly power on Earth.
Cameras designed and developed for ‘capturing’ black holes are now being used to take precise pictures of viruses to help researchers and medics develop treatments.
Electronic and vibration sensor systems used by a deaf engineer working for NASA resulted in the breakthrough development of the cochlear implant.
A laser system originally developed to study the atmosphere in space from satellites has now been adapted to produce a medical tool which can treat heart disease.
Piezoelectric technology was developed for European satellites to absorb energy through kinetic movement. It is now used in a wristwatch sized strap that can be worn by people with Type 1 diabetes and holds 2–3 weeks’ supply of insulin.
Direct readout satellite technology developed to analyse gases and particles in space has been installed on towers and masts connected to a remote central office to monitor forests and detect potential fires.
Originally used when searching for life on Mars, biosensor technology has been further developed to detect targeted biological warfare. These sensors can detect disease-carrying bacteria, viruses and parasites, and issue alerts for rapid action.
Software designed to process complex data to plan satellite operations is being used with the rail network.
Spacecraft docking mechanisms use a live camera feed and software for object recognition. This is now used to improve the speed and precision of car assembly lines which use robotic devices.