|
New
Release -- Superconductor Week does not edit or endorse the following
news release: NASA
Investigates Revolutionary Space Exploration Concepts
June 15 -- The NASA Institute for Advanced Concepts (NIAC) has selected its 2005
Phase 1 awards. The Phase 1 awards are 12, six-month study proposals beginning
in September that could revolutionize space exploration.
If the concepts prove feasible, space explorers may one day deploy
superconducting cables that magnetically inflate to form the structure of a
space telescope one kilometer across; launch a satellite with a magnetic scoop
to mine the radiation belts surrounding Earth for antimatter fuel; or enjoy a
feast from a food replicator that creates a variety of meals from a few common
ingredients.
"These new Phase I awards have the potential for enabling future missions that
are not thought to be possible with current systems. As a result of the process
of exploring advanced concepts, new enabling technologies may be identified that
could impact near-term plans and missions," said Dr. Robert Cassanova of the
Universities Space Research Association (USRA). Cassanova is the NIAC director.
The USRA runs NIAC for NASA.
NIAC was created in 1998 to solicit revolutionary concepts from people and
organizations outside the agency that could advance NASA's missions. The
proposals push the limits of known science and technology, and positive results
are not expected for at least a decade or more.
Proposals selected for Phase 1 awards typically receive up to $75,000 for a
six-month study that validates the viability of the concept and identifies
challenges that must be overcome to make the proposal a reality. |
