Lesson30 Spin-off Technology
Some people wonder why countries spend millions of dollars on space projects. They want to know how space research helps people on Earth. Actually space technology helps people on Earth every day. This is called "spin-off technology."
Spin-off technology is space technology that is now used on Earth.
In early space programs, such as the Apollo missions of the 1960s and 1970s, and in the Space Shuttle missions today, scientists developed objects for the astronauts to use on the moon and in space. We now use some of these objects every day.
For example, we have Quartz crystal clocks and watches with accuracy of one minute a year. We purify the water we drink with a water filter designed for the astronauts' use in space.
The cordless, hand-held tools we use in our homes, such as vacuum cleaners, flashlights, drills and saws came from the technology of these early space programs.
On cold winter days we can stay warm with battery-operated gloves and socks, and insulated coats and jackets. All of these clothes are similar to the spacesuit designs that kept astronauts comfortable in the temperatures of the moon, and are spin-offs from space technology.
These products are only a few examples of the many ways space technology helps us in our everyday lives. No one knows how new spin-off technology from the International Space Station will help us in the future.
spin-off 副产品
副产品技术
一些人会怀疑有些国家在太空项目上花费数百万美元是为什么。他们想知道太空研究如何能使地球上的人们受益。实际上，太空技术给地球上人们的日常生活带来了便利。我们称之为“副产品技术”，即现在地球上使用的太空技术。
在早期的太空计划中，如20世纪60年代和70年代的阿波罗计划，和今天的航天飞机计划中，科学家们开发了供宇航员们在月球上和太空中使用的物品，其中有一些成了我们今天日常生活中使用的物品。例如，我们现在使用的石英钟和石英表的精确度达到了一年误差不超过一分钟。我们使用原本为宇航员设计在太空中使用的滤水器来净化我们的饮用水。我们家里使用的电池式手提工具，如真空吸尘器、手电筒、钻子和锯子，都来自这些早期太空计划中的技术。
在寒冷的冬日里，我们可以戴上由干电池提供热能的手套和袜子、穿上隔热材料做的外套和夹克来保暖。所有这些衣服都类似于为了使宇航员在月球上的温度条件下保持身体舒适的太空服，都是太空技术的副产品。
这些产品只是我们的日常生活如何从太空技术中受益的几个例子。没有人知道源自于国际空间站的副产品技术会在未来给我们的生活带来什么样的好处。 |