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Innovative technology developed by NASA for space programs has been shown to have numerous applications beyond the realm of spaceflight. Since 1976, more than 1300 spin-offs applying NASA technology can be found in industries and daily life. NASA defines spin-off as those commercially available products (systems, processes or services) that incorporate NASA-originating technology or technical assistance.

The miniaturization of computer chips, a technology development from early manned spaceflights, has many applications in items such as cell phones, PDAs, and cordless screwdrivers. The medical field has utilized many spin-offs developed from the Apollo Program; CAT (Computer-Aided Tomography) and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) technology originated as computer-enhancement technology created for lunar imaging.

The outfits made of fabric mesh containing tubing for water circulation, known as "cool suits", were part of the Apollo moon suits, which kept astronauts comfortable during lunar activities. The suit has since been adapted for use by race car drivers, technicians working on nuclear reactors, shipyard workers, people with multiple sclerosis, and those who are unable to sweat normally to cool themselves. Propylene or mylar with aluminum foil overlays originally provided insulation for moon suits used by astronauts and as a barrier protecting the spacecraft's instruments. Now it is used in "space blankets" used by hikers or sports fans to ward off the cold.

In order to protect the Apollo astronauts from blinding sunlight, fog , and UV exposure on the lunar surface, NASA developed a gold-plating technique to coat their helmet visors. This technique has been adapted for infant radiant warmers used in hospital nurseries to maintain body warmth; this application has been used to aid burn victims as well.

Advances in breast cancer detection and treatment have resulted from NASA video imaging technology, adapted to provide more accurate and safer breast imaging, and space telescope technologies may improve the image quality of mammograms. Solar cells created to convert solar energy to electricity, when combined with x-rays, can reduce patient exposure to radiation and increase the useful life of the imaging equipment.

Many advances in surgical technologies have been developed from NASA spin-offs, including microsurgery devices, devices to differentiate between normal tissue and tumors, and the use of robotics to achieve better control of the camera used in laparoscopy.

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