NASA has recently decided that it will fund more future aerospace tech in an attempt to advance the mission of NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) and their dreams of game-changing new aerospace technology for future missions. The list of new aerospace tech concepts can be found on the website, listing those which were selected for Phase II of the program for further funding.
What is NIAC?
Originally, the NIAC was run by the Universities Space Research Association. Then, a change in who held the reins took place but the original NIAC website when it was manned by USRA can still be found for those with a hint of nostalgia and as a reminder of its origins. There more information can be found about past studies and other such things.
Now, NIAC deals with cultivating new aerospace tech ideas until fruition. These technologies would help NASA’s future missions but also work with the innovators/entrepreneurs that presented the idea as well. This is all in hopes of changing the way we think of aerospace tech as we know it.
The aerospace tech of tomorrow
There is half the number of concepts this go around than there were for Phase I with seven projects. Some of the concepts involve the idea of keeping the systems operational in parts of space where there is low light to pitch black conditions but also freezing temperatures. Others deal with exploring the depths or measuring the ability to support life.
All of the concepts dealing with their own unique mission. The statement by NASA involved the space agency reaffirming to the public that with this new innovative aerospace tech being funded, the stance America has in exploring space will be kept and future success will be had.
The Waiting Game
All in all, it is an exciting time to be an innovator with the NASA agency, especially considering the new funding available for those seven aerospace tech concepts. Let’s see what interesting things these new techs will bring to both the public and NASA, should their concepts prove viable and come to fruition.
