The annual NASA Spinoff publication showcases the agency’s contributions to technology transfer and highlights innovations developed for space exploration that now benefit daily life on Earth.

Because NASA innovates for the good of all, what the agency develops for research has the potential to advance other technologies that have broader use on Earth. Many of these examples are highlighted in the annual NASA Spinoff book, which features dozens of medical innovations developed by NASA as well as other accomplishments.

This year’s release of NASA’s Spinoff 2024 features several commercialized technologies that use the agency’s research and development expertise to impact daily life:

• Global “soft” robots that can get into dangerous situations before first responders arrive
• “Digital Wings” is an aircraft steering technology that provides improved fuel efficiency and smoother flight
• Lighter and stronger disc brake designs that produce less dust than traditional disc brakes
• Computer software that helps businesses and communities cope with and recover from natural disasters such as wildfires
• New 3D printing methods for additive manufacturing of rocket engines and other large aluminum parts

“NASA scientists and engineers are constantly innovating and advancing technology as we continue to push new boundaries and do the unimaginable,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. “A critical part of our mission is to quickly deliver these advances to companies and entrepreneurs who can use them to grow their businesses, open new markets, stimulate the economy and improve the quality of life for everyone.”

Medical innovations include the first wireless arthroscope (a small tube with a camera inserted into the body during surgery) to receive approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, drawing on NASA’s experience with spacesuits and satellite batteries. Technologies for the diagnosis of diseases such as coronavirus, hepatitis and cancer also emerged as a result of NASA’s space research and scientific studies. Even some types of toothpaste arose from the agency’s efforts to grow crystals for electronic products.

Other highlights in 2024 include advances from NASA’s Artemis campaign, such as a small, durable video camera used to improve aircraft safety and a new method for detecting defects or damage in composite materials. Meanwhile, another side story details the latest benefits of fuel cell technology, developed for Apollo more than 50 years ago and now ready to support ground-based renewable energy grids.

The book also presents various technologies that NASA has identified as promising spinoffs and information on how to license the agency’s technologies. Since the 1970s, thousands of NASA technologies have penetrated many scientific and technical disciplines, influencing nearly all of American industry.

“Because this is NASA’s longest-running continuous program, we continue to increase the number of technologies we license each year as we streamline the development path from the government to the commercial sector,” said Daniel Lockney, technology transfer program manager at NASA Headquarters in Washington. . . “These commercialization success stories continually demonstrate the benefits of transferring agency technology into private hands, where real impact is achieved.”

The division is part of NASA’s Space Technology Mission Office and Technology Transfer Program. Tech Transfer is responsible for finding broad, innovative applications for technologies developed by NASA through partnerships and licensing agreements and ensuring that the agency’s investments benefit the nation and the world.