Spinoffs have never been the primary reason for space exploration, but as NASA has done things that have never been done before, space-derived products and technologies have been developed, producing some side benefits. Some of these little side benefits have ended up saving lives and changing life on Earth for the better.
NASA has recently released three new videos touting the benefits provided by various space ‘byproducts,” starring three well-known faces from sci-fi shows of the past: June “Lost in Space” Lockhart, William “Captain KirK” Shatner and Wil “Acting Ensign” Wheaton. The videos mention how science fiction has become science fact, resulting in new commercial products and services that are tangible returns on investments in space technology.
For more information, see the NASA Spinoff website.