One simple device to protect the public comes out of research designed to ensure spacecraft are sterile before launch. A smoke-detector-style warning system sets off an alarm if it finds harmful bacteria, including anthrax, in the air. This simple, low-cost solution is used around the world to protect the public from biological attacks.
Spacecraft need to be sterile to avoid bringing bacterial passengers to the new frontiers they are helping explore. NASA has developed a suite of procedures to kill and clean off all the hardware before a launch — and it's also developed tools to check to make sure there aren't any microscopic lurkers left behind.
Learn more about how NASA helped develop technology that impacts anthrax detection within your city's public safety environment!