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The Way to What’s Next

FROM THE FIRST FLIGHT THROUGH THE AIR TO THE FIRST STEPS ON THE MOON, THE AEROSPACE AND DEFENSE INDUSTRY HAS TRANSFORMED THE WAY WE LIVE, CONNECT AND EXPLORE.

TODAY, IT CONTINUES TO MOVE THE MODERN WORLD AROUND US, IMPROVING OUR DAILY LIVES AND SHAPING OUR FUTURE—OFTEN IN SURPRISING WAYS. READY TO SEE HOW?

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Life of LIDAR

Life of LIDAR

Where does LIDAR—one of the key technologies fueling self-driving cars—come from? Take a look.

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Life of LIDAR

Pioneered by A&D, LIDAR measures the distance to an object by illuminating it with a laser light.

1971

Apollo 15 uses the first LIDAR to take thousands of measurements of the moon’s surface.

1995

The first commercial application of LIDAR maps coastal vegetation growth on Assateague Island.

2005

The first automotive application is mounted to a car roof during the 2005 Grand DARPA Challenge.

The Future

LIDAR will evolve to deliver highly detailed 3D real-time data in fully autonomous vehicles.

From the Moon to Modern Medicine

From the Moon to Modern Medicine

Every day, hospitals across the country use digital imaging technologies to diagnose medical conditions. Those technologies come from A&D.

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From the Moon to Modern Medicine

Digital Imaging
CT Scan
MRI

Digital Image Processing

In the mid 1960’s, NASA and the A&D industry developed the technology to enhance images of the moon ahead of the Apollo missions.

The CT Scan

Introduced in the 1970’s, the computed tomography scan leverages digital imaging technologies to produce cross-sectional images of an object, allowing medical professionals to “see inside” without an incision.

The MRI

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) leverages digital imaging techniques to form anatomical images, map physiological processes and save lives.

From Space-Grade to First Aid

From Space-Grade to First Aid

You’ve seen space blankets at finish lines and camping grounds. Learn how A&D made them possible.

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From Space-Grade to First Aid

Space Blanket

A low-weight, low-bulk blanket made of heat-reflective thin plastic sheeting.

Then:

Developed by NASA and the A&D industry in 1964 for use on the exterior surfaces of spacecraft.

Now:

Commonly found in first aid kits and camping equipment, space blankets reflect 97% of the body heat that would otherwise escape through thermal radiation, water evaporation, or convection.

The Way to Innovate

The Way to Innovate

Learn how technologies developed for the Apollo program made their way into our daily lives.

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The Way to Innovate

The Way to Discover

The Way to Discover

Learn how A&D gave us a glimpse at our solar system’s origin.

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The Way to Discover

The Way to Heal

The Way to Heal

Learn how A&D supports healthcare advances that will change everything.

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A Closer Look

Events that shaped the course of history. Scenes from everyday life. Visions of tomorrow. Explore our video gallery to get a better view of Aerospace & Defense—and see how our past, present and future are all powered by the industry’s commitment to innovation.

AIA Centennial

Celebrate 100 years of imagination, innovation and impact with a look at some of our industry’s most remarkable achievements.