Technologies We Owe to the Apollo Space Program

When you look up at the Moon you might think of all the amazing innovations it took to get us there. What you shouldn't forget, however, is how much our quest to reach the Moon has changed things down here for us on Earth. A lot of technologies ranging from consumer electronics to medical innovations all either got their start or their first major push thanks to work done by engineers, astronauts, and scientists working on the Apollo program.

Apollo 11 astronaut Michael Collins (2nd R) spoke during the 'Legends of Apollo' event in July 2019, as NASA celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the landing on the Moon. Looking on from left were Apollo Flight Director Gerry Griffin, Apollo 16 astronaut Charlie Duke, and Apollo 9 astronaut Rusty Schweickart. GREGG NEWTON/AFP via Getty Images

Here, we're counting down a few of the most notable.

Click through the slideshow above to see technologies that wouldn't be where they are today if not for the Apollo program.

Chris Wiltz is a former senior editor at  Design News covering emerging technologies including AI, VR/AR, blockchain, and robotics.