Many innovative non-space products and services in use today in the medical field originated in the technologies and systems developed for space applications. In the interests of medical research, astronauts take part in experiments to monitor their breathing and motion during their stays in space. The scientific data gathered has helped to create new products, such as a special baby pyjamas to help prevent cot deaths.

Many of the complex sensors and instruments developed to probe the distant reaches of the universe, and the nature of stars and planets, can also be adapted to assist doctors and biomedical researchers in examining the human body, and detecting cancer and analysing blood flow.