lion a pound; for the
near future launchings, payload cost should be about $1,000 per
pound. When payload costs are about a hundred dollars a pound we
may expect commercial space flight.[50]

Hundreds of other examples of the space program's value for everyday
living could be cited.

One with wide possibilities is a new welding process by using a
high-powered electron beam gun, developed for the fabrication of
spaceships and other space vehicles. This method permits welding joints
capable of withstanding temperatures up to 3,000 deg. F.; it can be used on
metals such as molybdenum and pure tungsten. And, its developers say, it
results in welded joints that have deep penetration and narrow weld
beads that are virtually free of contamination.[51]

Another ingenius application, resulting from the Navy's space research
program, has significant utility for medicine and surgery. This is a
glass fiber device which, when placed in the mouth during dental work or
in the area of surgical incision, permits a much magnified televising of
the operation. It holds considerable promise for teaching techniques in
many fields.[52]

Another example is a finely woven stainless steel cloth designed for
parachuting space vehicles back to Earth. The cloth is made of fine wire
of great strength which can withstand tremendous temperatures and
chemical contamination. The wire from which the cloth is woven is about
one-fifth the thickness of a human hair and is believed to have marked
potential for industry and consumers alike.

Here is an additional list of examples:[53]

Microminiature transmitters and receivers--used by police and
doctors.

Target drone autopilot--used as an inexpensive pilot assist and
safety device for private aircraft.

Inert thread sealing compound--- used by pump manufacturers serving
process industries.

Satellite scan devices--used in infrared appliances, e.g., lamps,
roasters, switches, ovens.

Automatic control components--used as proximity switches, plugs,
valves, cylinders; other components already are an integral part of
industrial conveyor systems.

Missile accelerometers, torquemeters, strain gage equipment--used
in auto crash tests, motor testing, shipbuilding and bridge
construction.

Space recording equipment automatically stopped and started by
sound of voice--used widely as conference recorder.