NASA is no more hiding its enthusiasm about outer space projects. It announces it will distribute up to $2.45 million to 14 teams to support experimental projects including a plan to send a flying boat to study Titan’s smoggy atmosphere and hydrocarbon-rich lakes.
Make The Impossible Possible
The unconventional Titan probe was proposed by a former Boeing mechanic from Gig Harbor, Washington, who says his space project – Planet Enterprises – is “pretty much a one-man band.” Of course the ultimate features of the probe are yet to evolve as there are still plans to expand the capacity. Two other Seattle-area researchers also received Phase 1 grants in the latest round of the NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) program. Each nine-month Phase 1 study is worth $175,000, and successful projects could receive additional funding in subsequent phases.
The NIAC program was designed to support exceptional ideas that could eventually become reality. “These initial Phase 1 NIAC studies will help NASA determine if these futuristic ideas could set the stage for future space capabilities and enable amazing new missions,” Michael LaPointe, program manager for NIAC at NASA headquarters , explains. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson says the NIAC program helps give “forward-thinking scientists and engineers the tools and support they need to spur technology that will enable future NASA missions.” “NASA dares to make the impossible possible. That’s only achievable because of the innovators, thinkers and doers who are helping us imagine and prepare for the future of space exploration,” Nelson said.
