The History of Survival Blankets: From NASA to Outdoor Enthusiasts
Survival blankets, also known as space blankets or emergency blankets, have become an essential item for outdoor enthusiasts, first responders, and survivalists. These lightweight, compact, and durable blankets have a fascinating history that dates back to their invention by NASA in the 1960s.
1. Invention by NASA
In the early days of the space program, NASA needed a way to protect astronauts from extreme temperature fluctuations in space. They developed a thin, reflective blanket made of a metallic material called polyethylene terephthalate (PET) coated with a thin layer of aluminum. This material was not only lightweight and compact but also highly effective in reflecting body heat back to the wearer, thus helping to regulate body temperature in the harsh environment of space.
2. Space Shuttle Missions
Survival blankets were first used by NASA during the Apollo missions to the moon in the late 1960s and early 1970s. They proved to be invaluable in protecting astronauts from the extreme temperatures of space and were later used on space shuttle missions as well. The success of these blankets in space led to their adaptation for use on Earth in emergency situations.
3. Emergency Situations
Survival blankets quickly gained popularity among outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, campers, and emergency responders due to their lightweight, compact design and ability to provide warmth and protection in extreme conditions. These blankets are now a staple in emergency kits, first aid supplies, and survival gear for their ability to reflect up to 90% of body heat back to the wearer.
4. Uses in Survival Situations
Survival blankets are versatile and can be used in a variety of survival situations. They can be used to create a makeshift shelter, protect against hypothermia, signal for help, or even collect rainwater. Their reflective surface makes them highly visible to search and rescue teams, making them an essential item in any survival kit.
5. Outdoor Enthusiasts
Outdoor enthusiasts, such as hikers, backpackers, and climbers, often carry survival blankets as a lightweight and compact emergency shelter option. These blankets take up minimal space in a backpack but can provide crucial protection in case of an unexpected night out in the wilderness or a sudden change in weather conditions.
6. Marathon Runners
Marathon runners also benefit from the use of survival blankets after races to help regulate body temperature and prevent hypothermia. These blankets are often handed out at the finish line of races to keep runners warm and comfortable as they cool down after a strenuous effort.
7. Military and Search and Rescue Operations
Survival blankets are also used by the military and search and rescue teams around the world. These teams rely on the lightweight and compact design of these blankets to provide essential warmth and protection to individuals in distress, whether in combat situations, natural disasters, or lost hiker scenarios.
8. Continued Innovation
Survival blankets continue to evolve with advancements in technology, with new materials and designs being developed to enhance their effectiveness in extreme conditions. From the original NASA space blankets to modern-day high-performance versions, these versatile blankets remain a crucial tool for survival in the great outdoors and beyond.