I think I might have just made up the NASA thing. Yep I did but it was used for rockets!
WD-40 was invented by the three founders of the Rocket Chemical Company of San Diego, California. The team of inventors were working on a line of industrial rust-prevention solvents and degreasers for use in the aerospace industry.
WD-40 was first used to protect the outer skin of the Atlas Missile from rust and corrosion.