Space shuttle technology that fell to Earth: The Artificial Heart
The Space Shuttle Atlantis lifted off at 11:20 a.m. Eastern time July 8, marking the beginning of the end for the shuttle program.
NASA didn’t invent the MicroMed Artificial Heart, but the technology used in space shuttle fuel pumps led to the development of a miniaturized ventricular assist pump by NASA and renowned heart surgeon Dr. Michael DeBakey. The pump is 2 inches long by 1 inch in diameter and weighs less than 4 ounces. It is fully approved Europe and has been successfully implanted into more than 30 people.