'Our life is enabled by space,' says NASA's former chief economist

64 years ago, astronaut Yuri Gagarin made humanity’s first trip into space, beginning an era of exploration that has sparked a host of scientific discoveries which have benefited society back here on Earth. NASA’s research has spawned many innovations we take for granted today. From cheap solar panels, cordless tools and domestic insulation to water purification systems, implantable heart monitors and even cancer therapies. We may even owe the digital revolution to the Apollo programme, says Alexander MacDonald.