Since the inception of the U.S. Space program in 1958, there have been intentional efforts to translate investments NASA has made in space science and technology purposes towards real-world applications. As a result, during the latter part of the 20th century, NASA influenced or led stellar efforts in advancing and creating new products and services that resulted in inventions of cordless appliances; aerodynamic designs for transportation; development of remote sensing instruments for agriculture to coastal waterway measurements; and, comprehensive medical data analysis tools and sensing devices. Because these efforts have ranged from addressing individual challenges to the needs of societies across industrialized and developing nations, it is important to remember how this was done via the Space science initiatives of the past and project possible outcomes for future Space science initiatives. Scientific results draw desired attention from every research and technical community. And, the same attention is easily obtained by the public when they can clearly draw the parallel for why research was done and the potential and direct impact is has on their interests and needs. NASA's commitment to help turn scientific achievements and technologies into beneficial products is through practicing methods of science translation and technology transfer. This paper will focus on the decades of NASA science translations and technology transfer that gives credence to treasures stemming from space science and technology research. It will focus on connecting investments in space science that help solve current and future societal needs. The intent is to outline how research and technology designed for today's science missions have applicability in tomorrow's benefits for humankind and is therefore critical to supporting space science research for countless obvious reasons.
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