Why NASA is important

Okay, so, I admit, this is going to be a soapbox post, because I get tired of hearing people think that NASA is stupid and a waste of money.

NASA is not JUST about space, people! Do you have any idea how many inventions/technology we use EVERY SINGLE DAY that were invented by NASA? How many lives are saved?

I think it is so neat, that they take technology invented for something used in space, and using the same product, make something we can use every day.
It literally sickens me when people just blow NASA off.

Here are just a few examples.
Invisible braces- made of TPA (translucent polycrystalline alumina)
Scratch Resistant Eyeglasses/sunglasses-
Memory foam
Shoe insoles- do you remember how HEAVY sport shoes used to be? I do. They are light as a feather now, and that is in part to NASA technology.
Long distance telecommunications enjoy your phone calls? you know, those phone calls you make with your CELL PHONE every day? They are made possible by NASA.
smoke detectors
cordless tools- yep, that technology is thanks to NASA.
water filters
jaws of life
medical imaging
fire fighter equipment
thermal gloves and boots
shock absorbing helmets (football)
joystick controllers

And that's just the tip of the iceberg! Since 1976 over 1400 NASA inventions have been made into products of the US industry. WOW.

If you want to learn more you can check out NASA's website dedicated specifically to spinoffs, or products/technology made from inventions created by NASA.

http://www.sti.nasa.gov/tto/