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A collage of artistic concepts showcasing the innovative approaches proposed by the 2024 NIAC Phase II awardees for possible future missions.
Credit: NASA, From left to right: Edward Balaban, Mary Knapp, Mahmooda Sultana, Brianna Clements, Ethan Schaler
The NIAC Phase II projects will receive up to $600,000 each to continue working over the next two years. The aim is to overcome technical and financial obstacles to enable their development. Once this phase is complete, these projects could advance to the final phase of NIAC and receive additional funding to become concrete space missions.
The six projects selected for the 2024 NIAC Phase II awards are diverse and promising.
The Fluidic Telescope (FLUTE): Enabling the Next Generation of Large Space Observatories proposes creating a large space observatory by manipulating the shape of ionic liquids. These space telescopes could assist in studying NASA's priority astrophysical targets, such as Earth-like exoplanets, first stars, and young galaxies.
The Pulsed Plasma Rocket: Shielded, Fast Transits for Humans to Mars is an innovative propulsion system that uses fission-generated plasma packets for thrust. This system could significantly reduce travel times between Earth and destinations in the solar system.
The Great Observatory for Long Wavelengths (GO-LoW) proposes a radical change in the way astronomy is conducted. This low-frequency radio telescope uses thousands of small autonomous satellites to measure the magnetic fields emitted by exoplanets and the dark ages of the Universe.
The Radioisotope Thermoradiative Cell Power Generator explores new space energy sources, potentially more efficient than NASA's current power generators. This technology could allow small exploration craft to operate without bulky power systems.
The FLOAT: Flexible Levitation on a Track is a lunar rail system that could autonomously and efficiently transport payloads on the Moon. This system could support the daily operations of a lunar base as early as the 2030s.
The ScienceCraft for Outer Planet Exploration uses quantum dot sensors distributed on a solar sail to create an innovative imager. Quantum physics would allow NASA to perform scientific measurements by studying how quantum dots absorb light.
NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate funds the NIAC program, which is tasked with developing new technologies for the agency's current and future missions.