There is no disputing that list and more , such as integrated circuits and the cassette systems which we probably all have used at one point or another. We have got our money’s worth back on their research, Now if we could just get them as enthused over our energy problems they could probably have a good viable alternative for us in a few years . It wouldn’t be cheap for the research and development but neither has the space program been. It would be really interesting to see how much the average american tax payer has paid to NASA and the related research and development needed for the program.

I’m all for the space program and the number of spinoffs have changed all of our lives.

Doctors and nurses monitor intensive care patients based on NASA’s system to monitor astronauts.

Scientists developed image-processing machines, CAT scans and MRIs from techniques created to analyze lunar and planetary images.

Barlow said the same technology is in digital cameras.

Doctors are using bio scan systems originally developed to find heat flows on Mars to detect breast cancer.

The systems “detect new cancer lesions by looking for heat created by increased blood flow,” Barlow said.

Additional medical spinoffs include telemedicine, molecular modeling and robotic surgery.

Traffic engineers use technology originally for NASA Mission Control to monitor traffic at multiple intersections.

There is a long list that includes Tang, UPC Codes, Teflon and Velcro.

I would guess it’s still a little early to be taking measurements. probably still checking every thing out . I think space exploration is the way to go, but I wish they would put the same enthusiasm and money into solving our energy problems here on earth first, I think we got the cart before the horse again.

What kind of temperature readings is the lander picking up?