By Bob Difley
The depth of the science NASA has undertaken, the difficulty of testing zero gravity effects in a gravity world, public relations (and varying public opinion), astronaut safety, and the imbeded cultural norms in we fickle humans and how to deal with them have all become serious considerations in long range space planning—-and are much more complex than my sadly uninformed mind had ever imagined.
But what really struck me was how our lives as RVers and the RV lifestyle have been affected and drastically altered–in fact, improved might be a better word–from NASA’s experiments, inventions, and technological advancements that were directed solely into the goal of flinging human beings off the face of the earth into outer space, keeping them functional while out there, and bringing them back safely (this wasn’t always done when monkeys were used in the first flights).
As Mary Roach says in her book, “If it’s cordless, fireproof, lightweight and strong, miniaturized, or automated, chances are good NASA has had a hand in the technology.” High speed wireless data transfer is a good example. Where would modern-day RVers be without the ability to surf the web, upload hundreds if not thousands of digital photos to online photo albums, and download Google Earth maps of our travel itinery.
Cordless power tools like screwdrivers, drills, and saws, and quicky clean up devices like dustbusters can be found in most RVs today thanks to NASA’s technological advancements. And how about implantable heart monitors? Those who have them might not be alive to enjoy the RV Lifestyle into their Golden Years without NASA’s miniaturizing developments. If you have a high-line motorcoach you may have a trash compactor thanks to NASA, and those of you with high-line wives can thank NASA for sports bras.
NASA scientists have also developed ways to purify urine so that it can be drunk just like water–and just as clean (so they tell us). Think what a boon this would be to boondockers, who not only would be able to reduce the amount of potable water they need to carry to their campsite out in the boonies, but it would also reduce the amount of waste flowing into the black tank which in turn reduces trips to the dump station. But now that I think about it, there might be some of NASA’s advancements where we would want to draw the line.
When you’re not lost in thought when contemplating taking your RV to the moon, please take a look at my Healthy RV Lifestyle website and ebooks: BOONDOCKING: Finding the Perfect Campsite on America’s Public Lands (PDF or Kindle), 111 Ways to Get the Biggest Bang out of your RV Lifestyle Dollar (PDF or Kindle), and Snowbird Guide to Boondocking in the Southwestern Deserts (PDF or Kindle).