Photo Galleries

This photo released by NASA shows the Skylab food heating and serving tray. An experiment into regenerative ecosystems evolved into one of the most widespread NASA spinoffs of all time?a method for manufacturing an algae-based food supplement that provides the nutrients previously only available in breast milk. A NASA partner now manufactures this supplement, and it can be found in over 90 percent of the infant formulas sold in the United States, as well as those sold in over 65 other countries. (AP Photo/NASA)

This photo released by NASA shows a cordless drill for boring through bone. The cordless unit pictured is one of a new line of lightweight, battery-powered precision instruments designed to give the surgeon optimum freedom and versatility in the operating room. Manufactured by Black & Decker Medical Products, the instruments evolved from the company's participation in the Apollo lunar landing program. (AP Photo/NASA)

This photo released by NASA shows Temper foam. Temper foam, whose origins date back to 1966 when it was developed to absorb shock and, thus, offer improved protection and comfort in NASA?s airplane seats, has paid its dividends to Earth repeatedly, and in many different ways. It has padded the helmets of the Dallas Cowboys throughout the 1970's and 1980's, protected bedridden patients from bedsores, and comforted the feet of thousands wearing stylish shoes that incorporate the cushioning material in their insoles. (AP Photo/NASA)

This photo released by NASA shows Temper foam. Temper foam, whose origins date back to 1966 when it was developed to absorb shock and, thus, offer improved protection and comfort in NASA?s airplane seats, has paid its dividends to Earth repeatedly, and in many different ways. It has padded the helmets of the Dallas Cowboys throughout the 1970's and 1980's, protected bedridden patients from bedsores, and comforted the feet of thousands wearing stylish shoes that incorporate the cushioning material in their insoles. (AP Photo/NASA)

This photo released by NASA shows a surgeon using a cordless drill. lines can burst or tangle. The cordless unit pictured is one of a new line of lightweight, battery-powered precision instruments designed to give the surgeon optimum freedom and versatility in the operating room. Manufactured by Black & Decker Medical Products, the instruments evolved from the company's participation in the Apollo lunar landing program. (AP Photo/NASA)

This photo released by NASA shows PBI fiber. NASA contracted with Celanese Corporation, of New York, to develop a line of PBI textiles for use in space suits and vehicles. Celanese engineers developed heat- and flame-resistant PBI fabric based on the fiber for high-temperature applications. The fibers formed from the PBI polymer exhibited a number of highly desirable characteristics, such as inflammability, no melting point, and retention of both strength and flexibility after exposure to flame. The stiff fibers also maintained their integrity when exposed to high heat and were mildew, abrasion, and chemical resistant. Throughout the 1970's and into the 1980's, PBI was instrumental to space flight, seeing application on Apollo, Skylab, and numerous space shuttle missions. Applications ran the gamut from the intended applications in astronaut flight suits and clothing, to webbing, tethers, and other gear that demanded durability and extreme thermal tolerance. (AP Photo/NASA)

This photo released by NASA shows PBI fiber. PBI fabric withstands the dangers associated with firefighting, arc flash, and flash fire. In 1992, lightweight PBI fabrics were adapted for flame-resistant work wear for electric utility and petrochemical applications, and are now providing flame protection for U.S. Army troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. Short-cut PBI fibers were introduced for use in automotive braking systems and PBI staple fibers are employed as fire blocking layers in aircraft seats. (AP Photo/NASA)

This photo released by NASA shows computer image of the LZR Racer swimsuit. SpeedoUSA asked NASA to help design a swimsuit with reduced drag. (AP Photo/NASA)

This photo released by NASA shows a swmmer testing the LZR Racer swimsuit. SpeedoUSA asked NASA to help design a swimsuit with reduced drag. (AP Photo/NASA,Mark Watson)