From head to toe, memory foam is a staple in our daily lives, providing cushioning through products like helmets, orthopedic braces, shoes, and mattresses. Amazingly, this simple, yet innovative technology was originally developed by NASA. The commercialization of products, known as spinoffs, by NASA and private space companies is an underrated driver of infrastructure development and economic growth.
Amid speculation of what will happen to the beleaguered agency, it’s important to take a step back and look at the history and successes of NASA. Many people tend to overestimate NASA’s share of the federal budget. In 2024, its budget was $24.9 billion, representing only 0.37 percent of total U.S. government spending. This compounded by the fact that the economic output is worth far more, amounting to $75.6 billion. That number reflects the creation of thousands of jobs, increased tax revenues, a boost to state economies, and investments in climate research and technology development.
Memory foam, as mentioned above, is an example of how an organization can research and develop a technology for its own internal needs, which can then create a ripple effect of benefits for the public. The material, made from polyurethane and injected air, was initially made for astronauts to safely absorb shock in the command modules from the high pressure and vibrations of rockets taking off into space. NASA did not patent the original design of temper foam; instead, it released it for public use, allowing businesses to incorporate it into the manufacturing of new consumer goods.
Expanding upon this, space exploration has led to the development of other inventions. Safety grooving, a technique used to enhance traction and reduce accidents, is now applied to highways, sidewalks, and parking lots. Satellite data, which is stored in a hub called the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer, helps monitor crop health and has been used for agricultural practices and weather planning. A new aluminum alloy, A6061-RAM2, has been developed using a 3D printing process to create rocket engine components, and it can now also be utilized in microchips and Formula 1 car production. Finally, a collaboration between the Federal Aviation Administration and the airport industry allowed for the completion of electronic traffic monitors for airports.
The knowledge and method transfer also extends to international private companies, which has seen a dramatic rise in activity, accounting for over 60 percent of worldwide orbital launches. As a result of this innovation in the private sector, new markets are unlocked through collaboration. These are currently assisting a $630 billion global space industry and are expected to contribute to $1.8 trillion by 2035.
The unintentional consequence of a large investment in space exploration includes cross pollination of other fields, resulting in revolutionary solutions. Furthermore, the collaboration and flow of ideas between the private and public sectors lead to enhanced innovations as people utilize their knowledge and experience. Similar to how a hotel receptionist acts as a bridge between guests, housekeeping, and management, knowledge mobility addresses the gap between engineers, scientists, and policymakers to facilitate the development of newer and more efficient products. In just life sciences, a NASA investment of $64 million in 15 technologies led to an additional $200 million in private R&D and over $1.5 billion in value-added benefits for the companies involved. Another study found that technology transfers, ranging from medical imaging devices to advanced materials, resulted in sales or savings of roughly $33 million.
While it is true government R&D and private R&D differ fundamentally in terms of incentive, and NASA’s economic returns can be overstated, it is essential to recognize that these efforts still provide significant value. Beyond direct, tangible innovations, space missions and technological achievements also inspire young people to pursue careers in various STEM fields. No government agency can match the popularity and prestige of NASA, which can be found in everything from stylish T-shirts to video games.
Policymakers should recognize that communication, collaboration, and education is imperative to reaching progress within and outside the space realm. It is undeniable that NASA has made some poor investments in recent years, but from the perspective of the average American, NASA’s budget is equivalent to approximately $70-75 per year. Reform is needed, but it need not shutter the agency entirely.
NASA’s story shows that space exploration is a positive-sum game, where investments in discovery fuel benefits that reach far beyond space itself. Various pundits will inevitably make strong arguments about the future of the agency, and as those perspectives are discussed, it is important to remember that innovation and progress are undeniable results from the agency over its existence. Reform that can tap into that, while improving efficiency and safety, will undoubtedly unlock a new era of technology that benefits everyone.
Written by Daryoush Jamkhu, Public Policy Intern
The Alliance for Innovation and Infrastructure (Aii) is an independent, national research and educational organization working to advance innovation across industry and public policy. The only nationwide public policy think tank dedicated to infrastructure, Aii explores the intersection of economics, law, and public policy in the areas of climate, damage prevention, eminent domain, energy, infrastructure, innovation, technology, and transportation.