NASA Seeks Geniuses and Visionaries

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.

Comments

I've Gotten Two...

[Jordin]

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...

Re:My idea

[Mr. Slippery]

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.