June Lockhart (Lost In Space), William Shatner (Star Trek Original Series) and Wil Wheaton (Star Trek: The Next Generation and The Big Bang Theory) are the latest entertainment icons featured in new public service announcements that highlight how some of NASA’s outstanding accomplishments in space are used to improve our life on Earth.
Spanning generations of silver screen and television portrayals of humanity’s exploration of space, the accomplished actors talk about how science fiction has become science fact, resulting in new commercial products and services that are tangible returns on investments in space technology. Much of the technology we rely on daily was developed by NASA for space exploration and then adapted or enhanced for use here on Earth. This includes many technologies used in schools, homes, cars, computers and American industry.
“It’s an honor to have such talented space entertainment legends donate their time to voice support for the spinoff benefits NASA brings to the nation and the world,” said NASA Chief Technologist Mason Peck at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “As we turn science fiction concepts into real technologies for use in NASA missions, we’re constantly creating ‘spinoffs’ — commercialized products and services that have practical, down-to-Earth applications of immediate benefit to the public.”
The new videos are the latest in a series of celebrity educational videos aimed at increasing public awareness of the return on investment in space technology while encouraging the next generation of explorers to pursue careers in science, technology, education and mathematics.
Water purification and recycling systems designed for spacecraft are helping to provide clean water for those in need here on Earth.
Imagine robot-assisted surgery, or a doctor performing an ultrasound on a patient hundreds of miles a way. NASA did, and while creating the advanced technologies needed for space missions, NASA has developed medical innovations that can be applied right here on Earth.
NASA’s commitment to safety in space has been saving lives on Earth for years. Rocket-powered parachutes can save entire airplanes, Apollo-era life rafts have saved hundreds of sailors, and a cardiac pump developed from rocket engine technology has extended the lives of hundreds of patients.
Watch the new public service announcements and some older ones from other celebrities.
In addition, hundreds of examples of NASA spinoff technologies and innovations adapted for use in our everyday lives are available on NASA’s Spinoff website.
More information about NASA and agency programs.
Filed under: Manned Space Flight
