There are many products on the market today that were first tested and used in space with NASA astronauts. One of the biggest hits is the use of insulation materials used in clothing. There was a lot of research done to find a material that could be used to keep astronauts warm when need be and cool else wise. The material they developed and found to work the best is called Aerogel.
NASA created a “spin-off’ policy where their findings could be used with the general public by anyone who was interested in doing so. Aerogel is used today inside many shoes and boots to help folks keep their feet warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Aerogel is also being used to help people who suffer pain in their fingers and toes because they cannot get their fingers and toes to have a constant temperature. The Aerogel is worn in these cases as wrist and ankle wraps. Many folks are finding great relief from their freezing fingers and toes.
There are quite a few people that have objected to NASA doing these kinds of research projects and developing new things because they believe too much money is being spent. I think that if they are creating products that can not only be beneficial in space but also to the general public they should keep doing exactly what they are doing.
Next time you put on a warm pair of boots, check to see if there is an inner lining of Aerogel. You can walk around knowing that NASA had a part in making your feet more comfortable!
