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NASA Selects Inexpensive Space Project Candidates

Posted by Soulskill on from the inexpensive-is-a-relative-term dept.

coondoggie brings us a Networkworld report detailing NASA's selection of six mission proposals for further study by the Small Explorer (SMEX) Program. The goal of the program is to develop cheap, tightly focused science missions (PDF). Among the selected proposals are a satellite telescope bank for use in detecting exoplanets, and a solar coronograph which will study solar wind and coronal ejections. Networkworld provided links with more detailed information on most of the projects.

2 of 37 comments (clear)

  1. Inexpensive space project candidate... by mrbluze · · Score: 5, Funny

    #1: Paper mache models of planets to hang from the ceiling in my bedroom.

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    Do it yourself, because no one else will do it yourself. [beta blockade 10-17 Feb]
  2. Re:proudly brought to you by, by mrbluze · · Score: 5, Funny

    The tin can, piece of string and duct tape dept. NASA's Letter of Response: The first half of the project proposal is cheap and very novel, but the other half (getting the string all the way to Alpha Centauri) could be a bit of a funding issue. Nonetheless we are going ahead with your idea, because even half a project can yield valuable scientific discoveries.
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    Do it yourself, because no one else will do it yourself. [beta blockade 10-17 Feb]