Space Spin-Offs

We were able to visit Kennedy Space Center in late May.  Since I had just finished reading Space Case by Stuart Gibbs (Truman Nominee by the Missouri Association of School Librarians), I was intrigued by the space technologies, and how Gibbs had enhanced them for his futuristic novel.  

Three things that Stuart emphasizes in his story that I was able to see first hand: sleeping in space (the characters in the story sleep in pods in the wall), spacesuits, and space toilets (always a student favorite - toilet humor). 

Space Case by Stuart Gibbs (affiliate link)

Strap yourself in while you sleep so you don't float away.

Spacesuit

Space Toilet

I discovered the term "NASA Spin-off" when I spotted the Space Blanket in the gift shop.  It was developed in 1964 by "vacuum-depositing a very precise amount of pure aluminum vapor onto a very thin but durable, film substrate.  This technical process forms a "perfect reflective barrier" that captures and helps to retain and focus over 80% of a person's radiated body heat."  It is used by militaries, medical personnel, disaster preparedness and relief agencies, and search and rescue groups.

It is small enough that it fits in one hand when you open it.

NASA has a publication and a website to highlight technologies "that are benefiting life on earth in the form of commercial products".  This would be a great launch pad for innovation studies.  

If you have a chance to visit the Kennedy Space Center, be sure to check out the Space Shuttle Launch Experience, which simulates what it is like to blast off.  The best description I head was "it is like driving down a gravel road at 80 miles per hour".   Also fun, the Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour, which takes about an hour, and gives you views of the launchpads and buildings.   And be sure to check out the Space Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit. 

After all, "The sky calls to us." - Carl Sagan