When people hear the term NASA, most of them likely picture astral travelers floating in space in addition to advanced space-age gear. However, NASA’s role is not limited to the exploration of space.
For many years, the agency has been involved in the discovery of several technologies for challenging tasks such as going to the moon or even observing the beginning of the universe.
These technologies were developed for use in space, but people have found entirely unexpected uses for most of them on Earth.
Probably one of the most uniquely intriguing ways in which NASA has impacted daily life is through its involvement in the development of the driest adult diapers.
While NASA has not claimed to be developing diapers, their contribution towards the development of waste disposal systems during space missions has influenced the diaper industry and people wearing diapers significantly.
Whether it be in an underpad you sleep on every night with memory foam or the digital images that astronauts send to Earth, NASA’s influence is all around, and even on diapers.
The Origins of Space Technology in Everyday Life
NASA has always been associated with improvements in technology. For instance, memory foam, which is in mattresses today, was first invented by NASA and intended for use in airplane seats to absorb shock.
One more area where NASA has had influence is digital image enhancement, an instrument developed to improve pictures of the surface of the moon. It later made its way into medical scanners to enhance the level of detail in MRI and CT scans.
The Development of the Maximum Absorbency Garment (MAG)
NASA created the Maximum Absorbency Garment (MAG) for the shuttle program to increase astronaut comfort and productivity while in space. Similar to cycle shorts, the MAGs are like super absorbent diapers.
It is made up of several thin layers that rapidly draw moisture. The moisture is subsequently retained by sodium polyacrylate, a super absorbent polymer (SAP).
With a single MAG holding up to 2 liters of fluids and the ability to absorb up to 400 times its weight in water, astronauts can stay dry for 8 to 10 hours without changing.
The Birth of Wellness Briefs
The Wellness Brief®, a product similar to adult pull ups created by Goelman’s firm for people with incontinence problems, was inspired by NASA’s Maximum Absorbency Garment.
Similar to the MAG, the Wellness Brief® keeps moisture away from the skin with a triple-layered core. This design aids in preventing urinary tract infections and skin irritation, two significant problems that people with incontinence encounter.
Similar to the MAG, the Wellness Brief® uses cutting-edge absorbent materials to provide comfort and long-lasting dryness. In order to keep the skin pleasant and dry, the triple-layered core makes sure that moisture is absorbed and stored in a different layer.
Moreover, the InconTek® technology, which imitates NASA’s achievements to provide people with enhanced protection, makes this feasible.
A Controversial Moment: The Lisa Nowak Incident
Wearing an astronaut diaper to avoid bathroom breaks, Nowak was first accused of driving 950 miles over five states in an effort to kidnap U.S. Air Force Capt. Colleen Shipman.
This claim was eventually refuted, however, when court records showed that Nowak had actually used toddler-sized diapers rather than astronaut diapers. The Nowak tale had a surprising upside despite becoming a media phenomenon.
The event motivated Steve Goelman, CEO of Unique Wellness, to develop adult diapers using NASA’s blueprints. He saw the possibility of creating long-lasting adult cloth diapers that could swiftly draw moisture away from the skin and seal it in place.
NASA’s Lasting Legacy
Beyond its initial goal of space exploration, NASA has had a significant impact on technology.
One example of how space technology might find unexpected and valuable uses on Earth is the creation of the Maximum Absorbency Garment (MAG), which served as the model for items like the Wellness Brief®.
NASA’s innovative heritage will continue to influence our environment for years to come, whether it is in the area of diapers or other everyday items.
