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NASA Seeks Geniuses and Visionaries

Posted by Zonk on from the plenty-of-those-around-here,-right? dept.

Dotnaught writes "The NASA Institute for Advanced Concepts has put out a call for 'revolutionary ideas to advance the Vision for Space Exploration.' Would-be visionaries are invited to submit their ideas by February 13, 2006, as explained in this Call for Proposals. Phase 1 grants range from $50K to $75K. Phase 2 grants go up to $400K. Sample grand visions include how to create a 'self-sustaining, human presence throughout the solar system' and 'truly autonomous robotic operations for exploration and habitation.'" If any Slash users end up with the grants, we call dibs on interviews.

4 of 246 comments (clear)

  1. For the armchari quarterbacks by Belseth · · Score: 3, Informative

    I read it over. They aren't after pitch ideas but formal proposals. That includes detailed cost projections, translated how the money will be spent. You're applying for a grant not throwing ideas out there to win a prize. If you've never applied for a grant it's a waste of your time and theirs. That said it's amazing they are opening wide for grant proposals.

  2. I've Gotten Two... by Jordin · · Score: 5, Informative
    Seriously. I've gotten two NIAC phase 1 awards; the final report on one has been cited previously on Slashdot here. The other was for an interstellar propulsion concept; details here

    NIAC has put out these calls once or twice a year since the late 90's. It's a cool organization, and I'm not saying that just because they've given me grants -- they've funded lots of really good work in many fields. Now if only NASA proper would follow up on more of it...

  3. Re:My idea by Mr.+Slippery · · Score: 4, Informative
    They used to have a much better foam but due to some enviromental concerns they had to stop using it.

    That's a popular meme spread by the likes of Rush Limbaugh, but the truth is the Columbia Accident Investigation Board found that the section of foam that broke off and damaged Columbia had been made with freon.

    This idea that the foam was just fine before we made it freon-free is just more bullshit from the "loot and pollute" segment of the far right. Shame on them for trying to use the deaths of the Columbia crew to prop up their anti-ecology agenda.

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  4. Re:My idea by DigiShaman · · Score: 3, Informative

    Shame on you for putting the blame on Rush Limbaugh. He has nothing to do with this. And I quote from Space.com...

    "NASA has said that the freon-free application method resulted in foam that initially did not adhere to the tank as well, but changes were later made to strengthen the bond of the environmentally friendly foam."
    http://www.space.com/missionlaunches/sts107_foam_f t_030506.html

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