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-- WITH PHOTO -- TO NATIONAL, SCIENCE, AND TECHNOLOGY EDITORS:
NASA Innovative Advanced Concept Program Seeks Phase II Proposals
WASHINGTON, April 18, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- NASA's
Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Program is seeking proposals for
technologies that could be used on future exploration missions. The
new proposals will build on the most promising ideas developed in the
program's first phase.
The NIAC program funds cutting-edge concepts that have the potential
to transform future missions, enable new capabilities, or
significantly alter current approaches to launching, building, and
operating aerospace systems.
NIAC's Phase II studies provide an opportunity to develop the most
promising Phase I concepts. These are aerospace architecture, mission,
or system concepts with transformative potential. They must continue
to push into new frontiers, while remaining technically and
programmatically credible. NIAC's current portfolio of diverse efforts
advances aerospace technology in many areas, including construction,
human systems, transportation, imaging, and robotic exploration.
"During the second phase of our NIAC program, visionary concepts are
matured to advance concepts from notional to feasible," said Michael
Gazarik, NASA's associate administrator for space technology at the
agency's headquarters in Washington. "These advanced technology
concepts are critical for kick-starting innovation that will enable
our future missions."
Recent NIAC Phase II studies have included a concept for a sample
return for extreme environments, which could lead to a simple and
efficient way to obtain multiple samples drilled out of an asteroid
crust.
Another NIAC Phase II study is examining "SpiderFab," an approach to
3D-printing of large structures in space. This could one day enable
NASA to produce giant telescopes in orbit without having to design
them to fit within a rocket shroud or withstand the vibration and
g-loads of launch.
"In NIAC Phase I Studies, the focus is basic feasibility and potential
benefit. In Phase II, we can get into real systems engineering and in
some cases even demonstration" said Jay Falker, NIAC program executive
at NASA Headquarters. "This is critical for taking concepts from paper
studies to engineering implementation. Phase II also helps address the
important technology development needs of NASA's current and future
programs."
NASA will be accepting NIAC Phase II proposals of no more than 20
pages until June 3. Selection announcements are expected later this
year. This solicitation is open only to current or previously awarded
NIAC Phase I concepts. Complete guidelines for proposal submissions
are available on the NIAC website at
NASA expects to select approximately five new Phase II studies this
year. The number of awards will depend on the strength of proposals,
availability of appropriated funds, and the overall number of Phase I
and Phase II awards. Selected proposers may receive as much as
$500,000 over two years to further analyze and develop their
innovative concepts.
"Over the next 18 months, NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate
will make significant new investments that address several high
priority challenges for achieving safe and affordable deep-space
exploration," Gazarik added. "These focused technology thrust areas
are tightly aligned with NASA's Space Technology Roadmaps, the Space
Technology Investment Plan, and National Research Council's
recommendations."
NIAC is part of NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate, which is
innovating, developing, testing and flying hardware for use in NASA's
future missions. To view the NASA NIAC Research Announcement for this
solicitation and for more information about the agency's Space
Technology Mission Directorate, visit:
Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20081007/38461LOGO
SOURCE NASA
-0- 04/18/2014
/CONTACT: David E. Steitz, Headquarters, Washington, 202-358-1730, david.steitz@nasa.gov
/Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20081007/38461LOGO
PRN Photo Desk photodesk@prnewswire.com
/Web Site: http://www.nasa.gov
CO: NASA
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