Navigating astronauts safely through space and ensuring constant communication between the crew and ground control was paramount. As a result, NASA was a pioneer in developing cutting-edge wireless technology that enabled clear, consistent and long-range communication. NASA’s wireless technologies laid the foundation for today's wireless data communication systems, transforming industries from telecommunications to personal computing.

Spacecraft environments require precise temperature control to protect astronauts and onboard equipment from the extreme heat of takeoff and extremely cold environment in space. The advanced heating and cooling systems developed for the Apollo missions have influenced modern HVAC technologies, not only keeping our homes comfortable but conserving energy, as well.

Following the tragic Apollo 1 cabin fire, NASA felt it necessary to redesign the mission’s spacesuits for future crew members. To make the suits fire-resistant, NASA scientists formulated a material that was durable, strong, lightweight, flexible and non-combustible — fiberglass fabric coated with Teflon. Today, this fabric is widely-used in architecture and can be found all over the world, particularly atop U.S. stadiums.

NASA’s expertise in sound and vibration sensing technology, initially developed for spacecraft instrumentation, contributed to the development of cochlear implants. These devices now help thousands around the world by restoring a sense of hearing to those with profound hearing loss.

To simulate conditions in space, NASA created robotics and materials that mimicked the movement and adaptability of human limbs. This technology was later adapted to enhance the development of more dynamic, durable, and responsive artificial limbs, offering mobility and hope to countless amputees.

To aid in the autonomous rendezvous and docking of space vehicles to satellites, NASA created and equipped spacecraft with advanced target-tracking technology. This technology led to the development of precision tracking systems capable of measuring movement with unparalleled accuracy. Soon after, NASA’s technology became pivotal in ophthalmology—aiding in the development of LASIK surgery, where surgeons needed to make precise cuts on the cornea without error. What began as a means to assist response time in space now serves as a cornerstone in providing millions with clearer vision on Earth.

In preparation of the Apollo missions, many of which lasted up to 13 days, NASA conducted extensive research into longer-lasting space food. To ensure that astronauts’ rations would remain well-preserved and safe to eat, NASA created better ways to package the food itself: freeze-drying and vacuum-sealing. These methods were quickly commercialized, ultimately becoming the industry standard in quality control.

While water is a limited resource on Earth, it’s even more sacred in space. NASA's development of advanced water purification and filtration systems made it possible to recycle and purify water for astronauts aboard the Apollo missions. Today, this technology provides clean drinking water to billions of people on Earth.

Harnessing the sun's energy in space was crucial for sustained space travel, especially the nearly two-week Apollo missions. NASA's development of solar panel technology—originally used to power equipment onboard Apollo spacecraft—has had a lasting impact, leading to the widespread use of solar panels as a sustainable energy source for today’s homes and businesses.

NASA's intricate sensors and monitoring systems were originally designed to track astronauts' health in space. However, they spurred advancements in many of the medical device technologies we use today. NASA’s medical innovations—such as thermometers, electrocardiogram electrodes, X-ray imaging and more—now underpin various diagnostic tools and monitoring devices that enhance patient care on a global scale.

Aiming for optimal safety and comfort, NASA-funded researchers needed new ways to keep test pilots cushioned during flights. Hence, they developed a dense, pressure-tolerant, shock-absorbing memory foam, otherwise known as temper padding. Today, the material is known commercially as TEMPUR foam and has revolutionized products like mattresses, seating and shoe sole inserts—providing unparalleled comfort to millions.

During the Apollo Program, astronauts on the Moon encountered several problems when dealing with lunar dust. In addition to being rich in ultraviolet radiation, lunar dust sticks to spacesuits, spacecraft, tools and equipment—and is extremely difficult to remove. NASA's research into Apollo-era communication and radar technology led to the development of microwave technology that could heat lunar soil to temperatures high enough to solidify the surface. What began as a critical evolution in design and capability for space travel paved the way for a range of applications, including the one commonly used in modern-day kitchens.

Preparing for the unknowns of space, NASA conducted rigorous studies on medications, their storage and their effects in a zero-gravity environment. This research, performed by Apollo astronauts, provided valuable insights that shaped pharmaceutical practices and innovations, such as synthetic biology, 3D printing and new-age drug delivery systems on Earth.

The harsh conditions of space required specialized protection for craft, crew and equipment. However, conventional metal lubrication processes were inadequate for the lightweight materials used in Apollo components. In order to shield spacecraft and equipment, NASA partnered with General Magnaplate to develop techniques that bond dry lubricant coatings to space metals. These coatings were impervious to outgassing, had enhanced surface hardness and offered superior resistance to corrosion and wear. General Magnaplate went on to advance the technology, eventually becoming a leader in high-performance surface enhancement coatings used in everything from pizza making to laser manufacturing.