Overview
What do anthrax protection, golf clubs, and cordless power tools have in common? Each was invented or improved with technology first developed for the space program. Since NASA's inception 45 years ago, hundreds of everyday devices and products have emerged from the research and development required to put rockets into space and humans on the moon. To expand our knowledge of the universe, scientists and engineers with the space program constantly confront new challenges in vehicle design, life support, communications, and astronaut health and well-being. The solutions to these challenges have often benefited those of us who remain on Earth. This book tells the story of 67 of the most consumer-friendly products born of space-related research. Discover the fascinating histories of commonplace items that we now take for granted. One model of ergonomic chairs was based on the position of astronauts at rest in Skylab. Improvements in health-rate monitors resulted from the need to track changes in an astronaut's heart rate. Even swimsuits and ballpoints pens have been improved by space technology. This book also includes extensive information on the history of NASA, and on the technology-transfer centers that help make such product improvements happen. Lesson plans and resources offer additional sources of information on this remarkable subject.
Full Product Details
Author: Marjolijn Bijlefeld ,
Robert L. Burke
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
Imprint: Greenwood Press
Dimensions:
Width: 17.80cm
, Height: 2.30cm
, Length: 25.40cm
Weight: 0.737kg
ISBN: 9780313322228
ISBN 10: 0313322228
Pages: 264
Publication Date: 30 August 2003
Recommended Age: From 7 to 17 years
Audience:
General/trade
,
College/higher education
,
Professional and scholarly
,
General
,
Undergraduate
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active
Availability: To order
Stock availability from the supplier is unknown. We will order it for you and ship this item to you once it is received by us.
Reviews
?Aimed at high school students, It Came from Outer Space is useful for educators as well....The entries blend information about how the technology was originally developed by the space agency with information on later commercial developments and applications....This book is recommended for the school and public libraries as well as professional teacher's library. It will provide ideas for science projects for students and educators and fascinating reading for all patrons interested in learning about products and ideas generated by the space program.?-Booklist/RBB
Author Information
MARJOLIJN BIJLEFELD is a freelance writer and editor. She is the author of The Gun Control Debate: A Documentary History (Greenwood, 1997), People For and Against Gun Control (Greenwood, 1999), and Food and You: A Guide to Healthy Habits for Teens (Greenwood, 2001). ROBERT BURKE is a business and technology writer.
