Millions of people watched as the space shuttle Atlantis concluded its final voyage. This moment concluded the American space shuttle program; however the program leaves a legacy behind that won’t soon die out. Countless technologies that improve our way of life owe their invention to the space program. We see it in our homes, hospitals, cars, and even on vacation.

Most people think of rockets, spacesuits, and Dippin Dots, the frozen treats of the future, when they think of space shuttle technology. You might be surprised to know just how many things would not exist if it weren’t for NASA’s drive to enhance the space shuttle program. Check out NASA’s annual publication, Spinoff. Its goal is to educate the public about technologies developed or commissioned for the space shuttle program which have been commercialized.

It may shock you to know that if it weren’t for the development of space shuttle technologies, these things might not exist:

Athletic Shoes- Some are made utilizing a process called blow rubber molding which was designed to produce space helmets. This allows manufacturers to make soles hollow and fill them with a shock absorbing substance. Nike Air is probably one of the most commonly known shoes utilizing this technology.

DustBusters- NASA commissioned engineers at Black and Decker to formulate a cordless power drill to use for moon landings. The technology is really a computer program that allows motors to perform well even when using very little power. Black and Decker then expanded this and gave us the DustBuster.

Smoke Detectors- These were originally developed in 1970 for America’s first space station, Skylab. They are now so essential in households that it is against the law to construct a residence without installing a functioning smoke detector.

Human beings have forever been moved by the concept of exploring space. The drive to do this has inspired incredible technologies. Though the space shuttle is going to be greatly missed, NASA will not stop creating new technologies that we will find a way to implement in a more terrestrial fashion. When we think about all the ways everyday life has benefited from the space shuttle program, we see that it will live forever within our homes as well as our hearts