NASA has recently announced the selection of six innovative tech concept studies to receive additional funding under the Innovative Advanced Concepts program (NIAC). These groundbreaking studies, which have already completed the initial phase, are set to advance to the next level with the potential to shape the future of space exploration.
Each concept study will receive funding of up to $600,000 over the next two years to address technical and budgetary challenges, marking a significant step towards potential aerospace missions.
According to John Nelson, the NIAC program executive at NASA Headquarters, the selected Phase II studies represent a remarkable class of visionary ideas. The diverse nature of these concepts offers fresh possibilities for NASA to consider as it continues to explore space and expand its horizons.
The six revolutionary concepts that have been chosen for the 2024 NIAC Phase II awards are as follows:
1. Fluidic Telescope (FLUTE): Enabling the Next Generation of Large Space Observatories
Led by Edward Balaban from NASA’s Ames Research Center, this study aims to create a large optical observatory in space using fluidic shaping of ionic liquids. The innovative observatories could potentially revolutionize the investigation of astrophysics targets, including Earth-like exoplanets, first-generation stars, and young galaxies.
2. Pulsed Plasma Rocket: Shielded, Fast Transits for Humans to Mars
This study, led by Brianna Clements from Howe Industries, presents an innovative propulsion system that uses fission-generated packets of plasma for thrust. If successful, this system could significantly shorten travel times between Earth and any destination in the solar system.
3. The Great Observatory for Long Wavelengths (GO-LoW)
Led by Mary Knapp from MIT, this mega-constellation low-frequency radio telescope could transform the way NASA conducts astronomy. By using thousands of autonomous SmallSats, it aims to measure magnetic fields emitted from exoplanets and the cosmic dark ages.
4. Radioisotope Thermoradiative Cell Power Generator
This study, led by Stephen Polly at the Rochester Institute of Technology, is exploring new in-space power sources that could operate at higher efficiencies than NASA’s current power generators. This technology has the potential to enable small exploration and science spacecraft in the future.
5. FLOAT: Flexible Levitation on a Track
A lunar railway system, led by Ethan Schaler at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, is designed to provide reliable, autonomous, and efficient payload transport on the Moon. This rail system could play a crucial role in supporting the daily operations of a sustainable lunar base.
6. ScienceCraft for Outer Planet Exploration
Led by NASA’s Mahmooda Sultana, this concept aims to distribute Quantum Dot-based sensors throughout the surface of a solar sail, turning it into an innovative imager. By leveraging the solar sail’s area, it allows lighter and more cost-effective spacecraft to carry imagers across the solar system.
The NIAC program is funded by NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate, which is responsible for developing new cross-cutting technologies and capabilities to achieve the agency’s current and future missions.
The cutting-edge concepts and studies selected for the 2024 NIAC Phase II awards hold tremendous promise for the future of space exploration. Despite their science fiction-like nature, these visionary ideas have the potential to revolutionize the ways in which we explore and understand the mysteries of the universe.
For more information about NIAC and the 2024 Phase II studies, visit the official NASA website.