Microminiature transmitters and receivers--used by police and
doctors.
Target drone autopilot--used as an inexpensive pilot assist and
safety device for private aircraft.
Inert thread sealing compound--- used by pump manufacturers serving
process industries.
Satellite scan devices--used in infrared appliances, e.g., lamps,
roasters, switches, ovens.
Automatic control components--used as proximity switches, plugs,
valves, cylinders; other components already are an integral part of
industrial conveyor systems.
Missile accelerometers, torquemeters, strain gage equipment--used
in auto crash tests, motor testing, shipbuilding and bridge
construction.
Space recording equipment automatically stopped and started by
sound of voice--used widely as conference recorder.
Armalite radar--used as proximity warning device for aircraft.
Miniature electronics and bearings--used for portable radio and
television; excessively small roller, needle and ball bearings used
for such equipment as air-turbine dental drills.
Epoxy missile resin--used for plastic tooling, metal bonding,
adhesive, and casting and laminating applications.
Silicones for motor insulation and subzero lubricants--used in new
glassmaking techniques for myriad products.
Ribbon glass for capacitors--used widely in electronics field.
Radar bulbs--used in air traffic control equipment.
Ribbon cable for missiles--used in the communications industry.
Automatic gun cameras--used in banks, toll booths, etc.
Fluxless aluminum soldering--used for kitchen utensil repair,
gutters, flashings, antennas, electrical joints, auto repairing,
farm machinery, etc.
Lightweight hydraulic pumps--used in automated machinery and
pneumatic control systems.
Voice interruption priority system--used for assembly line
production control.
Examples such as the foregoing, it might be pointed out, do not
generally emphasize an area in which space exploration is making
one of its greatest contributions. This is the creation of new
materials, metals, fabrics, alloys, and compounds that are finding
their way rapidly into the commercial market.
Less demonstrable but equally (and perhaps more) significant areas
which may expect to benefit from space exploration are set out
beginning on page 35.
[Illustration. FIGURE 11.--Vital information about the forces
which cause weather can be learned from meteorological satellites such
as these. Even a slight increase in the accuracy of weather prediction
will be worth millions of dollars annually.]