By Natalie Watkins and
Georgia Cornell
How was this product
originally used in space?
NASA developed temper foam in the early 1970s to relieve the intense pressure of G-forces experienced by astronauts during rocket launches.
Was this product originally proposed for a mission? Which one?
Yes, This product was used in the early 70’s missions like Apollo 13-17.
How is this product now used on Earth?
In the following years, temper foam was used in wheelchairs, football helmets, sports padding, airplane seats, and X-ray table pads. In the 1990s, the foam attracted increased attention when Tempur-Pedic, Inc. and the developed a line of mattresses and pillows.
Did the design, form, or function of this product change when it was adapted for use on Earth? How?
No, this design was used for cushioning the pressure for the G-force on the astronauts during takeoff. When it was used for Earth it was still used as a cushioning people while they sleep or cushion the force of the impact.
They devised a way to form the shoes without steam that does not harm the material. Even with this new process, the challenge to protect the material from the effects of hot, sweaty feet remained. To solve that problem, an antibacterial lining was incorporated into the shoe, designed to wick away heat and moisture.
Since Tempur material’s extreme sensitivity to heat and moisture causes it to deflate upon contact with steam, Froment’s team needed to develop an entirely new process. They devised a way to form the shoes without steam that does not harm the material. Even with this new process, the challenge to protect the material from the effects of hot, sweaty feet remained.
The End
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Memory Foam