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NASA Planning Six More Centennial Challenges
FleaPlus writes "NASA has announced plans for six more Centennial Challenges for space-related technological achievements. The X Prize-inspired competitions will have cash prizes of up to $5 million. The challenges are for an orbital fuel depot, a lunar-capable all-terrain vehicle, a pressure suit, a long-term rechargeable power system, a micro reentry vehicle, and a maneuverable solar sail. NASA is currently requesting feedback comments on its current draft of the contest rules."
I think this is related to the "Century of Flight" centennial celebrated in 2003 -- in reference to the Wright Brothers. NASA seems involved in thst celebration, they commissioned the theme song, scheduled events, etc.
I am not a crackpot.
I think these monetary incentives to innovate are great. Nothing like a little competition to get people thinking creatively and working hard to realize their dreams. It has done wonders for the autonomous vehicle and commercial space shuttle fields, hopefully that will extend to all these other proposed areas.
One other piece of "future tech" I am hoping it will pay off in is the development of the first space elevator. Another organization has set up an X-Prize style competition, one every year until 2010 when I suppose they're hoping to have something viable. Probably a little overly optimistic, but competition brings out the best in people and I think it's great they are harnessing that power for good.
Go check it out: http://www.elevator2010.org/site/index.html They held their first competition last year. You can check out the results and see the pictures in the "Photo Gallery". Hooray for progress!