Category: Technology > Compression
In the 1970s, NASA was developing technology to improve satellite communications and data transmission for space missions. During this process, engineers experimented with a new type of data compression technique called "lossless compression," which aimed to minimize the amount of data sent back to Earth without losing any information. While the primary goal was to enhance communication efficiency in space, the technology found its way into the commercial sector after the project was deemed too costly for direct application in space missions. This led to the creation of the ZIP file format in the late 1980s, which is now a staple in computer software for compressing files and saving storage space. Today, lossless compression techniques are not only vital in file storage but also underpin streaming services, digital images, and even audio files, showcasing how a seemingly failed endeavor can revolutionize technology and impact our daily lives.