NASA for continued study under the agency’s Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Program has selected six major technology proposals. They have selected the proposals as the Phase 2 of the 2013 NIAC program is about to start that addresses a wide array of visionary concepts including photonic laser thrusters, extreme sample return, and innovative spherical robots specially designed for exploration of planetary.
NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate based the choices on the possibility to change the missions of future aerospace, introduce or improve key approaches to build and operate the aerospace systems. “As NASA begins a new chapter in the exploration, we’re investing in these seed-corn advanced concepts of next-generation technologies that will truly transform how we investigate and learn about our universe,” said Michael Gazarik, NASA’s associate administrator for space technology in Washington. “Advancing these proposals from universities, private companies and NASA researchers in Phase 2 studies allow new, futuristic ideas to move closer to becoming real tools for exploration.”
The Phase 2 of the 2013 NIAC program will continue for two years and can cost about $500,000. The phase 2 will further develop some of the most successful concepts that are selected in the study of Phase 1.
In Phase 1 of the study the researchers exhibited the initial viability and advantages of a concept, while Phase 2 is the next level of the study. The researchers need to refine the previously selected designs and explore aspects of the implementation of new technology.
NASA has selected these projects after going through a long process that assessed innovativeness and scientific feasibility. Almost all the projects are in its early stage of development, most of them need 10 or more years to complete.
“Early study and continued development are critical to guiding our technology investments,” said Jay Falker, NASA’s NIAC program executive in Washington. “Some of the Phase 2 studies that started last year are already attracting the attention of other NASA programs, as well as potential external partners.”
The Space Technology Mission Directorate of NASA is testing hardware from different sources for use it in its upcoming mission. NIAC programs will help the directorate find the best upcoming creative scientists, engineers, and citizen inventors across the country who can with NASA provide technological dividends and help maintain the name of America in the new global technology economy.
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