economy
Apollo missions brought us rechargeable hearing-aid batteries and quakeproof buildings. The European defense industry is now looking for its own 'NASA moment'
Fly-by-wire technology, packaged food safety, the quakeproofing of buildings, and rechargeable hearing-aid batteries—the list of innovations linked to the Apollo missions is as long as it is eclectic. NASA is so proud of the civilian applications of the technologies first invented to help put a human being on the moon, it has published its own dedicated web entry, “tech-transfer-spinoffs.”
TL;DR
- The Apollo missions generated numerous civilian innovations, including rechargeable hearing-aid batteries and quakeproof buildings.
- The European defense industry seeks to achieve a 'NASA moment' by highlighting civilian applications of its technologies.
- Defense spending is increasing in Europe due to geopolitical factors, leading to significant investment and growth in the sector.
- The defense industry contributes to economic growth by creating well-paid jobs and revitalizing manufacturing and engineering bases.
- Initiatives like the U.K.'s TAG Alliance, France's Agence Innovation Defense, and NATO's DIANA promote dual-use technologies and civilian commercial success.
- Examples of spin-offs include ultrasound technology for the oil and gas sector and drone technology for mapping critical infrastructure.