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NASA Innovative Advanced Concept Program Seeks Phase II Proposals


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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

http://www.nasa.gov/niac

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:

http://go.usa.gov/R1N

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

ST: District of Columbia

IN: ARO

SU: EXE

PRN

-- DC08466 --

0000 04/18/2014 16:06:00 EDT http://www.prnewswire.com

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