On July 20, 1969, Americans had their eyes and ears glued to their TVs and radios. NASA's successful moon landing left the nation in awe. This moment inspired inventors and engineers across the nation. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1969 moon landing, we share with you 20 patents that were inspired by the space race and how they reshaped the world.

Chapter 1Fly Me: Saturn V p. 1 -- Chapter 2 Getting Off the Ground: Robert Goddard p. 15 -- Chapter 3 Timing Is Everything: Watches p. 27 -- Chapter 4 Writing High: Space Pens p. 37 -- Chapter 5 Stepping Out: Jet Shoes p. 47 -- Chapter 6 Point and Shoot: Ray Guns p. 57 -- Chapter 7 Drinking It In: Liquid Refreshment p. 67 -- Chapter 8 Eating Out: Food p. 75 -- Chapter 9 Consuming Passion: Ice Cream p. 89 -- Chapter 10 Rage Against the Latrine: Diapers p. 99 -- Chapter 11 Covering Up: Space Blankets p. 111 -- Chapter 12 Cold Calling: ETs p. 121 -- Chapter 13 Fueling Around: Land-Mine Deactivation p. 133 -- Chapter 14 Faster than a Speeding Bullet: Nuclear Rockets p. 141 -- Chapter 15 Burning Bright: Fire Prevention p. 153 -- Chapter 16 Blowing Up: Moon Bombs p. 163 -- Chapter 17 Tooling Around: Dustbusters p. 177 -- Chapter 18 Crash-Proofing: Memory Foam p. 185 -- Chapter 19 Dressing for Success: Space Suits p. 197 -- Chapter 20 Look to the Skies: UFOs p. 209.