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The NASA Institute for Advanced Concepts (NIAC) has selected its 2005 Phase 1 awards. The Phase 1 awards are 12, six-month study proposals beginning in September that could revolutionize space exploration. If the concepts prove feasible, space explorers may one day deploy superconducting cables that magnetically inflate to form the structure of a space telescope one kilometer across; launch a satellite with a magnetic scoop to mine the radiation belts surrounding Earth for antimatter fuel; or enjoy a feast from a food replicator that creates a variety of meals from a few common ingredients. "These new Phase I awards have the potential for enabling future missions that are not thought to be possible with current systems. As a result of the process of exploring advanced concepts, new enabling technologies may be identified that could impact near-term plans and missions," said Dr. Robert Cassanova of the Universities Space Research Association (USRA). Cassanova is the NIAC director. The USRA runs NIAC for NASA. NIAC was created in 1998 to solicit revolutionary concepts from people and organizations outside the agency that could advance NASA's missions. The proposals push the limits of known science and technology, and positive results are not expected for at least a decade or more. Proposals selected for Phase 1 awards typically receive up to $75,000 for a six-month study that validates the viability of the concept and identifies challenges that must be overcome to make the proposal a reality.
Related Links ![]() The European Space Agency (ESA) on Friday pledged its backing for Russia's plans for manned spacecraft called Kliper, the news agency Itar-Tass reported here. Daniel Sacotte, ESA's director of human spaceflight, microgravity and exploration programmes, said here his organisation "would support" the project, it said.
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