Technology Originally Developed for Space Missions Now Integral to Everyday Life
NASA
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) originally developed groundbreaking "camera-on-a-chip" technology in the 1980s and 1990s, which has since become integral to modern-day devices like smartphones. This innovation, known as the CMOS image sensor, was initially created by Dr. Eric Fossum and his team at JPL to enhance imaging capabilities for space missions. The technology improved upon earlier charge-coupled device (CCD) sensors by reducing power consumption and noise, making it more practical for a wide range of applications.
The development of CMOS sensors marked a significant shift in imaging technology. Unlike CCDs, which require complex charge transfer processes and consume more power, CMOS sensors feature signal amplifiers within each pixel, enabling direct reading of signals. Fossum’s key breakthrough involved applying a technique called "intra-pixel charge transfer with correlated double sampling" to reduce noise, thereby improving image quality. This advancement led to the creation of high-performance CMOS sensors that rival CCD technology while offering advantages in power efficiency and manufacturing costs.
The commercialization of CMOS technology began in the mid-1990s when Fossum and his colleague Dr. Sabrina Kemeny licensed the invention from CalTech and founded Photobit. The company refined the technology further, paving the way for its adoption in consumer electronics like webcams, automotive systems, medical devices, and eventually smartphones. By 2013, annual production of CMOS sensors exceeded one billion units, with global demand now topping seven billion per year.
This space-born innovation not only revolutionized everyday technology but also demonstrated the profound impact of taxpayer-funded research. The development of CMOS image sensors exemplifies how investments in space exploration can yield technologies that improve lives worldwide. For readers interested in the intersection of science and commerce, this story highlights the enduring legacy of JPL’s work and its far-reaching benefits to society.
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Originally published on NASA on 2/24/2026