Which specific terrestrial sport benefited from mirror-polishing techniques inspired by high-quality optics technology?
Answer
U.S. Olympic speed skaters' skates
The development and refinement of technology for advanced optical instruments like the Hubble Space Telescope have yielded surprising concrete benefits beyond pure astronomical research, providing terrestrial applications for complex processes. The high-quality mirror-polishing techniques developed for space optics were adapted for use on Earth. Specifically, this innovation was applied to improve the quality of the blades used by U.S. Olympic speed skaters, leading to sharper edges and better performance. This technological transfer demonstrates the broad societal payoff from investments made in complex scientific instrumentation.

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