Many common products can be traced back to research conducted by NASA . They are listed in detail in `` Spinoff , '' a NASA magazine first compiled in 1976 as a definitive guide to the commercialized products whose development can be tied to space technology . Freeze - dried hair , artificial limbs , edible toothpaste are among NASA spin - offs . Contrary to rumors , however , Velcro and Teflon not developed for space travel . It has been 40 years since NASA 's Apollo 11 mission took people to the moon .
Many common products can be traced back to research conducted by NASA . Freeze - dried hair , artificial limbs , edible toothpaste are among NASA spin - offs . Contrary to rumors , however , Velcro and Teflon not developed for space travel . It has been 40 years since NASA 's Apollo 11 mission took people to the moon .