2005annualreport[1]

Supporting RevolutionaryIdeas Today,

And Advanced ConceptsFor Tomorrow

AnnualReport

20052006

Performance Period July 12, 2005 - July 11, 2006

NASA Institute for Advanced Concepts

NASA Institute for Advanced Concepts75 5th Street NW, Suite 318 Atlanta, GA 30308 404-347-9633 - www.niac.usra.edu

USRA is a non-profit corpora-tion under the auspices of theNational Academy of Sciences,with an institutional membershipof 97. For more informationabout USRA, see its website atwww.usra.edu.

ANSER is a not-for-profit pub-lic service research corpora-tion, serving the national inter-est since 1958.To learn moreabout ANSER, see its websiteat www.ANSER.org.

NASA Institute forAdvanced Concepts

8 t h A N N U A L R E P O R T

Performance Period July 12, 2005 - July 11, 2006

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NIAC SUPPORTSTHE NASA VISION

NIAC inspires and investi-gates options for future mis-sions that may reveal tech-nologies and approacheswhich could impact nearterm missions.

4

Message From The Director

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Over the last eightcontract years, theNASA Institute forAdvanced Concepts(NIAC) has inspiredand nurtured a num-ber of revolutionaryadvanced concepts

that someday may have a significantimpact on future directions in aeronau-tics and space. NIAC provides a path-way for revolutionary discoveries byinnovators with the ability for non-linearcreativity to explore new possibilities fornear and far term aerospace endeav-ors. The cornerstone of the NIACprocess for inspiring new and revolu-tionary thinking is the continuous exam-ination and articulation of “grandvisions” which encourage the technicalcommunity to set their sights beyondcurrent programs and explore new sys-tems, architectures and supportingtechnologies that could revolutionizelong term plans as well as near termmissions.

In this eighth year of operation by theUniversities Space Research Assoc-iation, NIAC concepts have set newstandards for performance in space-based observatories, advanced EVAsystems, radiation protection, in-spacepropulsion systems, planetary explo-ration and support of humans on plane-

tary surfaces. Several NIAC conceptshave triggered a reexamination ofoptional plans for space missions asevidenced by the flow of additionalfunding by NASA and other agenciesinto NIAC concepts.

NIAC actively seeks credible, technicalcontroversy supported by an atmos-phere of open dialogue with the techni-cal community that encourages anexamination of key technical issues.Interest in NIAC concepts by the tech-nical community continues to aboundwith numerous citations in the literatureof science publications, presentations(including some invited) in technicalsociety meetings and acceptance ofpapers in refereed technical journals.

Please join the Universities SpaceResearch Association (USRA) andNIAC in this exciting endeavor to helprevolutionize the future of aeronauticsand space.

Robert A. Cassanova, Ph.D.Director, NIAC

5

MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR

NIAC STAFF

NIAC EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

GRAND VISIONS

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

SummaryCall for Proposals CP 03-01 (Phase II)Call for Proposals CP 05-01 (Phase I)Call for Proposals CP 05-02 (Phase II)Call for Proposals CP 06-01 (Phase I)Call for Proposals CP 06-02 (Phase II)Survey of Technologies to Enable NIAC ConceptsCoordination with NASAInfusion of Advanced Concepts into NASAInspiration and OutreachRelease and Publicity of Calls for ProposalsRecruitment of Technically Diverse Peer ReviewersNIAC Seventh Annual MeetingNIAC Fellows MeetingNIAC Science Council MeetingsNIAC Student Fellows PrizeNIAC Student Fellows Publications and PresentationsJohn McLucas Astronaut Safety Research PrizeFinancial Performance

DESCRIPTION OF THE NIAC

NIAC MissionOrganizationFacilitiesVirtual InstituteThe NIAC ProcessSolicitationProposalsPeer ReviewNASA ConcurrenceAwardsManagement of Awards

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T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S

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PLANS FOR THE NINTH CONTRACT YEAR

Communication With The Technical Community And Articulation Of Grand VisionsSolicit And Select Concepts For Revolutionary Advanced ConceptsContinued Development Of Advanced ConceptsOversight by USRA

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1. Phase I and II Awards Performance PeriodsTable 2. CP 03-01 Phase II Award WinnersTable 3. CP 05-01 Phase I Award WinnersTable 4. CP 05-02 Phase II Award WinnersTable 5. Summary of CP 06-01 Responding OrganizationsTable 6. CP 06-01 Phase I Award WinnersTable 7. Summary of CP 06-02 Responding OrganizationsTable 8. CP 06-02 Phase I Award WinnersTable 9. CP 02-01 Critical Enabling TechnologiesTable 10. CP 03-01 Critical Enabling TechnologiesTable 11. CP 05-02 Critical Enabling TechnologiesTable 12. NASA - NIAC Support TeamTable 13. Visits and Contacts within NASATable 14. Advanced Concepts Infused Into NASA This Contract YearTable 15. 2005-2006 NIAC Student Fellows Prize WinnersTable 16. 2006-2007 NIAC Student Fellows Prize WinnersTable 17. Current Membership of the NIAC Science CouncilTable 18. Key Activities Planned for the Ninth Contract Year

APPENDICES

A. Descriptions of Enabling Technologies from NIACB. CP 05-02 AwardeesC. CP 06-01 AwardeesD. CP 06-02 AwardeesE. Inspiration and Outreach ContactsF. NIAC PublicityG. 2005-2006 NIAC Fellows Publication Listing

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43444445

101112131314151516171819202331313542

46616470747891

T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S

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N I A C 8 t h A n n u a l R e p o r t

RRoberober t Cassanot Cassanovva,a, Ph.DPh.D..DirDirectorector

Diana JDiana Jenningsennings,, Ph.DPh.D..AssociaAssocia te Dirte Directorector

RRonald onald TTurur nerner,, Ph.DPh.D..Senior Science Senior Science AdAdvisorvisor

Dale LittleDale LittleOperOperaations Manations Managgerer

RRoberober t Mitct MitchellhellNetwNetworork Engineerk Engineer

KK aatherine Rtherine ReilleillyyPubPublicalication Specialisttion Specialist

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Executive Summary

N I A C 8 t h A n n u a l R e p o r t

he NIAC is a unique organization where creativityand imagination, inspired by curiosity and the eternalquest for knowledge, are necessities, not luxuries.NIAC provides a process and a pathway for innova-tors with the ability for non-linear creativity to: (1)define grand visions for a future world of aeronauticsand space, (2) explore the possibility of redefiningrealities of the future and (3) offer revolutionary solu-tions to the grand challenges of future aerospaceendeavors.

By operating as a virtual institute with succinct pro-posal requirements and efficient peer review, NIAC'smode of operation emphasizes a flexible and opendevelopment of creative concepts with a minimum oftechnical direction. However, appropriate oversightand nurturing is provided by NIAC's contractual man-agement and technical leadership plus timely collab-oration with NASA's technical staff.

During this eighth contract year, NIAC announced theselection of 5 Phase II contracts totaling $2 million(with options), and 11 Phase I grants totaling $.8 mil-lion. Since the beginning of the first NIAC contract,Feb. 1998, NIAC has received a total of 1,196 pro-posals and has awarded 115 Phase I grants and 37Phase II contracts for a total value of $24.5 million.The awards spanned all categories of businesseswith 35% to universities, 52% to small businesses,7% to small and disadvantaged business, 1% to his-torically black colleges and universities and minorityinstitutions, 1% to national laboratories and 4% tolarge businesses. During this eighth year of opera-tion, NIAC continued to meet the contract perform-ance goals and, as in previous years, received an"excellent" rating from NASA in all categories of per-formance.

NIAC's method of open review of its advanced con-cepts continued this year with a combination of openaccess to reports and briefings on the NIAC website,the NIAC Annual Meeting and the NIAC Phase IFellows Meeting. Recipients of NIAC awards are des-ignated as "NIAC Fellows". NIAC hosted the 7thNIAC Annual Meeting on October 10th and 11th 2005in Broomfield, Colorado. The purpose of the meetingwas to offer an opportunity for the currently fundedPhase II Fellows and NIAC Student Fellows to pres-ent the results of their concept development effortsand to encourage the on-going dialogue between all

attendees. In addition, invited keynote speakers gavethought-provoking presentations on space policy, cos-mology, and advanced concepts in aeronautics andalternative-technology transportation.

In addition to these community-building meetings,NIAC hosted a one-day workshop as part of its ongo-ing evolution of grand visions for aeronautics, spacescience, and space exploration. The output of thisworkshop and other Grand Visions activities wasincluded in the CP 06-01 Call for Proposals releasedin November 2005.

NIAC's technical leadership continued its vigorousactivities for education, outreach and inspiration withpresentations at universities, private industry andtechnical society meetings. NIAC and NIAC spon-sored advanced concepts received widespreadrecognition in the popular and technical press. NIACFellows were highly visible in technical society meet-ings with numerous presentations and publication oftechnical papers. Additionally, the NIAC Director andthree of the NIAC's best-known fellows participated ina special broadcast on Space Exploration throughGeorgia Public Television for the MIT Forum.

In addition to inspiring proposals from the establishedtechnical community, NIAC began a special programto encourage undergraduate students who have thepotential for extraordinary creativity and the ability tostretch well beyond typical undergraduate coursework. The NIAC Student Fellows Prize (NSFP), spon-sored by Universities Space Research Associationand managed by NIAC, was initiated in 2005 to attractthese students and facilitate their advanced aero-space concepts. Five students were selected in May2005 to receive a $9,000 one year grant and carriedout their efforts during the 2005-2006 academic year.Five more were selected in May 2006 for the samemonetary award and length of research.

Highlights for the ninth contract year include thebeginning of the development of new Phase I andPhase II concepts, release of new Phase I and PhaseII Calls for Proposals, peer review and selection ofnew Phase I and Phase II awards, hosting the AnnualMeeting in October 2006 and the Fellows Meeting inMarch 2007, and selection of the next group of NIACStudent Fellows.

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During the eighth contract year of operation, NIAC placed renewed emphasis on its effort to iden-tify and state "Grand Visions" that are drivers for revolutionary advances in aerospace, aeronau-tics and space sciences. Grand Visions inspire giant leaps forward by setting a context for cre-ativity, imagination and innovation. Grand Visions provide a target for Phase I Calls and set a highstandard for future Fellows and stakeholders inside and outside of the NIAC organization.

A set of activities structured to encourage visions of future possibilities resulted in an exciting col-lection of visionary goals. The NIAC has a long-standing practice of formally soliciting inputs fromNASA Directorates, and the present statement of Grand Visions builds on that foundation. InOctober 2005, participants in the NIAC Annual Meeting (p. 27) enjoyed a special session on theagenda which was structured to encourage unfettered and creative discussion of vision stretch-ing possibilities for aerospace endeavors. This session created input which became part of a one-day, by invitation only, workshop for key NASA technical leaders and innovators (seeCommunication with the Technical Community and Articulation of Grand Visions p. 43).

The NIAC leadership integrated the products of these visioning activities into a new statement ofGrand Visions included in the CP 06-01 Call for Proposals and provided a new centerpiece forcommunication about NIAC to various constituencies.

Summary

In the context of Grand Visions, NIAC continued in the eight contract year to inspire, solicit,review, select, fund, nurture, and infuse revolutionary advanced concepts into NASA. The heartof the NIAC process is its two Calls for Proposals and the subsequent awards. The performanceperiods for all completed and currently planned awards are summarized in Table 1. The followingsections describe the Calls that were awarded or initiated during the past year.

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G R A N D V I S I O N S

A C C O M P L I S H M E N T S

CP 01-01 Phase II Contracts

CP 01-02 Phase I Grants











Jan-Dec Jan-Dec Jan-Dec Jan-Dec Jan-Dec Jan-Dec Jan-Dec

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

0101 Completed

0201

0301

0502

0102 Completed

0202 Completed

0401 Completed

0501 Completed

0601

0602

0701

0702

First USRA Contract EndsFebruary 11

Second USRA Contract EndsJuly 17

TABLE 1. Phase I and II Award Performance Periods

Call for Proposals CP 03-01 (Phase II)CP 03-01, a NIAC Phase II solicitation, was released on December 10, 2003. It was released toPhase I winners who had not previously been awarded a Phase II contract and had not submit-ted a Phase II proposal for the same concept more than once.

Five awards were made at the conclusion of Peer Review and the Concurrence Briefing (June25, 2004). The contract start date for these awards was August 1, 2004, and these contracts willbe completed in the summer of 2006. The proposals that were selected for award under CP 03-01 are summarized in Table 2 and descriptions of these concepts are available on the NIAC Website (http://www.niac.usra.edu).

TABLE 2. CP 03-01 Phase II Award Winners

Call for Proposals CP 05-01 (Phase I)

November 12, 2004 was the release date for Phase I CP 05-01. The corresponding due datewas February 14, 2005 at which time NIAC received 158 proposals and the peer review processbegan. A Concurrence Briefing was given to NASA on May 12, 2005 followed by the award of 12grants to begin on September 1, 2005 (see Table 3).

Principal Investigator & Organization CP 03-01 Concept Proposal Title

NARAYANAN KOMERATHGeorgia Institute of Technology

Tailored Force Fields for Space-BasedConstruction

CONSTANTINOS MAVROIDISNortheastern University Bio-Nano-Machines for Space Applications

ALEXEY PANKINE Global Aerospace Corporation

Sailing the Planets: Science from DirectedAerial Robot Explorers

JOHN SLOUGHUniversity of Washington The Plasma Magnet

PAUL TODDSpace Hardware Optimization Technology Robotic Lunar Ecopoiesis Test Bed

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Principal Investigator &Organization CP 05-01 Concept Proposal Title

YOUNG K. BAEBae Institute

A Contamination-Free Ultrahigh Precision Formation FlightMethod Based On Intracavity Photon Thrusters and Tethers

JAMES BICKFORDDraper Laboratory

Extraction of Anitparticles Concentrated in PlanetaryMagnetic Fields

ERIC BONABEAU Icosystem Corporation

Customizable, Reprogrammable, Food Preparation,Production and Invention System

BRIAN GILCHRISTUniversity of Michigan

Scalable Flat-Panel Nano-Particle MEMS/NEMS PropulsionTechnology for Space Exploration

GERALD P. JACKSONHbar Technologies, LLC Antimatter Harvesting in Space

GEORGE MAISEPlus Ultra Technologies, Inc.

Multi-Mice: A Network of Interactive Nuclear Cryoprobes toExplore Ice Sheets on Mars and Europa

PAMELA A. MENGESAerospace Research Systems Artificial Neural Membrane Flapping Wing

MASON PECKCornell University College ofEngineering

Lorentz-Actuated Orbits: Electrodynamic Propulsion Withouta Tether

JAMES POWELLPlus Ultra Technologies

Magnetically Inflated Cable (MIC) System for SpaceApplications

HERBERT SCHNOPPERSmithsonian AstrophysicalObservatory

Ultra-High Resolution Fourier Transform X-RayInterferometer

GERALD A. SMITHPositronics Research LLC

Positron Propelled and Powered Space Transport Vehiclefor Planetary Missions

NESTOR VORONKATethers Unlimited

Modular Spacecraft with Integrated StructuralElectrodynamic Propulsion

TABLE 3. CP 05-01 Phase I Award Winners

Call for Proposals CP 05-02 (Phase II)

Phase II CP 05-02 was released on November 10, 2004 with a proposal due date of May 2, 2005.On this date, 15 proposals were received. Abstracts of concepts selected for an award are avail-able in Appendix B and the NIAC website (htttp://www.niac.usra.edu). Phase II contracts beganon September 1, 2005 (see Table 4).

Call for Proposals CP 06-01 (Phase I)

Phase I CP 06-01 was released on November 30, 2005 with a proposal due date of February 13,2006. On this date, 166 proposals were received. The applicable statistics pertaining to type ofsubmitting organization and award recipients are summarized in Table 5. Abstracts of conceptsselected for an award are available in Appendix C and on the NIAC website(htttp://www.niac.usra.edu). Table 5 lists CP 06-01 Phase I awards. Grants will begin onSeptember 1, 2006.

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WENDY BOSSNorth Carolina State University Redesigning Living Organisms for Mars

WEBSTER CASHUniversity of Colorado, Boulder New Worlds Imager

STEVEN DUBOWSKYMassachusetts Institute ofTechnology

Microbots for Large-Scale Planetary Surface andSubsurface Exploration

ELIZABETH McCORMACKBryn Mawr College

Investigation of the Feasibility of Laser TrappedMirrors

SIMON WORDENSteward Observatory, University ofArizona

A Deep Field Infrared Observatory near the LunarPole

TABLE 4. CP 05-02 Phase II Award Winners

Business Category Proposals Received Awarded

Universities 45 4Small Disadvantaged Businesses 15 1

Small Businesses 97 6Historically Black Colleges & Universities 2 0Large Businesses 7 0

Total Proposals Received for CP 06-01 166 11

TABLE 5. Summary of CP 06-01 Responding Organizations

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DAVID AKINUniversity of Maryland Space Systems Laboratory

Development of a Single-Fluid Consumable Infrastructure forLife Support, Power, Propulsion, and Thermal Control

ROGER ANGELUniversity of Arizona Steward Observatory

Practicality of a Solar Shield in Space to Counter GlobalWarming

DEVON CROWEPhysical Sciences, Inc.

Self-Deployed Space or Planetary Habitats and ExtremelyLarge Structures

TOM DITTODeWitt Brothers Tool Company Primary Objective Grating Astronomical Telescope

ROBERT HOYTTethers Unlimited, Inc.

Reduction of Trapped Energetic Particle Fluxes in Earth andJovian Radiation Belts

MASON PECKCornell University College of Engineering

In-Orbit Assembly of Modular Space Systems with Non-Contacting, Flux-Pinned Interfaces

JOE RITTERUniversity of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy

Large Ultra-Lightweight Photonic Muscle Telescope

MATTHEW SILVERIntact Labs, LLC Bio-Electric Space Exploration

JOHN SLOUGHUniversity of Washington Plasma Magnetic Shield for Crew Protection

GUILLERMO TROTTITrotti & Associates, Inc.

Extreme eXPeditionary Architecture (EXP-Arch): Mobile,Adaptable Systems for Space and Earth Exploration

GEORGE WILLIAMSOhio Aerospace Institute Spacecraft Propulsion Utilizing Ponderomotive Forces

Call for Proposals CP 06-02 (Phase II)

Phase II CP 06-02 was released on December 1, 2005 with a proposal due date of May 3, 2006.On this date, 14 proposals were received. The applicable statistics pertaining to type of submit-ting organization and award recipients are summarized in Table 7. Abstracts of the selected con-cepts (Table 8) are available in Appendix D and on the NIAC website (htttp://www.niac.usra.edu).Phase II contracts will begin September 1, 2006.

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Business Category Proposals Received Awarded

Universities 4 2Small Disadvantaged Businesses 1 1

Small Businesses 8 1Historically Black Colleges & Universities 0 0Large Businesses 1 1

Total Proposals Received for CP 06-02 14 5


YOUNG K. BAEBae Institute

A Contamination-Free Ultrahigh Precision Formation FlightMethod Based on Intracavity Photon Thrusters and Tethers:Photon Tether Formation Flight

JIM BICKFORDDraper Laboratory, Inc.

Extraction of Antiparticles Concentrated in Planetary MagneticFields

BRIAN GILCHRISTUniversity of Michigan

Scalable Flat-Panel Nanoparticle MEMS/NEMS PropulsionTechnology for Space Exploration in the 21st Century

MASON PECKCornell University

Lorentz-Actuated Orbits: Electrodynamic Propulsion Without aTether

NESTOR VORONKATethers Unlimited

An Architecture of Modular Spacecraft with IntegratedStructural Electrodynamic Propulsion (ISEP)


TABLE 7. Summary of CP 06-02 Responding Organizations

Survey of Technologies to Enable NIAC Concepts

Beginning with the fifth Annual Report that covered the contract performance period ending inJuly 2003, NIAC has surveyedthe critical enabling technologiesfor the NIAC Phase II concepts.The purpose of this survey is toprovide NASA with inputs to theirinvestment strategy foradvanced technologies thatwould enable further develop-ment of the NIAC concept andprovide additional justification forgeneral categories of advancedtechnologies that may enable abroad range of future missions.

Two sets of Phase II contractswere actively funded during thiscontract year. Six CP 02-01 stud-ies were in their second year(performance period fromSeptember 2003 through August2005), and five CP 03-01advanced concepts were in theirfirst year (performance periodfrom October 2004 throughSeptember 2006). Each of thesePhase II Fellows was asked torespond to the following ques-tions related to critical technolo-gies to enable their concept: (1)What are the three most criticaltechnologies to enable the fur-ther development of your NIACconcept? Please give a briefexplanation, two or three sen-tences, describing the criticalrelationship of each technologyto your concept. (2) What are theother technologies that areimportant for the further develop-ment of your concept? Pleasebriefly describe their relationshipto your concept.

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Table 9. CP 02-01 Critical Enabling Technologies

Ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC)

Thin film photovoltaic arrayFlexible batteries or capacitorsFlapping wing aerodynamicsIPMC control scheme / EM field generation

Production/formation of antihydrogen

Formation & storage of nano-flakes of solid antihydrogenTuned photovoltaic conversion of fission energy into elec-tricityProduction and accumulation of antiprotonsIntegration and miniaturization of electronics

Advanced distributed communicationsLightweight high strength materials (e.g. carbon nan-otube based polymers)Advanced thin-film solar cell technology

Thin-film batteries or thin-film capacitors

Three-dimensional textile deposition, to enable the for-mation of anisotropic material with specific mechanicalpropertiesShape-changing polymers that provide human-scaleforceInformation technology, wearable computing, energy, andhuman power harvesting integration across the entireEVA systemHigh current density, high temperature super conductingwireHigher efficiency cryo-coolersDistributed control algorithmsHigh density, high strength, non-conducting materialsfrom which reaction wheels can be manufacturedDevelopment of nanostructured piezoelectricmaterials

Advances in development of solid electrolytes for energystorage

Developments in ion-conducting nanocomposites

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The eleven responses are completely reported in Appendix A along with short explanations of the relationship of each technology to the advanced system or architecture (Tables 9, 10 and 11).

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Large-scale direct conversion of solar energy to tunable radio and microwave frequencies

Robotic sintering of lunar regolith and NEO material

Large tuned conversion devices based on "vacuum" tube technology, where the vacuumof space is used in lieu of a tubeDirect Conversion of sunlight to microwave and/or laser powerPower beaming with high efficiency at the sender and the receiverBiology-inspired-nano-roboticsNetwork based space sensing for planetary environmentsRadiation responsive molecular assembly

Bio-nano-components such as, actuators, joints, sensors etc.

Distributive intelligence, programming and control

Signaling and information flow

Simulation of dynamics of bio-nano-structuresAdvanced balloon envelope materialsLightweight balloon guidance and autonomous navigationReliable and robust entry desent and inflation (EDI) systemsAdvanced power generation and energy storageCompact science sensors and lightweight dropsondes

Advanced power processing unit

Solar wind detection system

Advanced guidance systems

Pioneer organisms

Laboratory ecopoiesis test bed

Efficient and safe miniaturized simulated planetary environments

Access to extraterrestrial venues

Novel laboratory information networks

Microbial health assessment

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Cryogenic liquid of very low vapor pressure able to accept and hold a mirror-like evapo-rated surfaceFriction-free superconducting bearing and drive systemMechanical and control elements with 50 year lifetimeA first rank science program enabled by the lunar environmentLunar infrastructure supportSite-test lunar precursor landerPlants that can withstand the environments that will be sustained in extraterrestrialgreenhouses Earth-based robotic lunar/Martian test-chambers that accurately simulate the environ-mental conditions on extraterrestrial sites such as the moon and MarsAccess to extraterrestrial greenhousesBiosensors to monitor the greenhouse conditions and plants redesigned to surviveunder extreme conditionsEasily relocatable spacecraftAdvanced station-keepingLarge, shaped deployablesLow scatter surfaces and edgesAdvanced precision formation flying

Micro fuel cells (mm scale)Low weight high capacity hydrogen and oxygen storage elementHigh performance very light weight actuators. micro-sensors for planetary exploration. Advanced guidance systemsSensors that are very small, low power and robustAlgorithms for group behaviors for teams of planetary robotics systemsNew non-line of sight communication technologyNanotechnology suitable to producing the ~ 1018 particles required for an orbiting lasertrapped mirrorExtremely stable, long-lived, high-power lasers suitable for continuous use on orbit forperiods of 3 to 5 years. Improved sunshield technology Technology for neutralizing accumulated charge on the delicate grid of particles com-prising the trapped mirror surface.Advanced orbital energy management, communication, station-keeping, etc. infrastruc-ture

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Coordination with NASA

Since NIAC's inception, Sharon Garrison (see photo at left) has served as theNASA Coordinator for NIAC and as such is the primary point-of-contactbetween NIAC and NASA. Ms. Garrison is in the Advanced Concepts andTechnology Office (ACTO) of the Flight Program and Projects Directorate atNASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). Ms. Garrison actively commu-nicates throughout NASA to a review team comprised of representatives fromthe Mission Directorates and Centers. Table 12 is a listing of these represen-

tatives. Throughout the process of managing NIAC, these representatives are kept informed byMs. Garrison of the status of the Institute and are appropriately involved in decisions and feed-back. NIAC provides monthly contract status reports and an annual report to the NASACoordinator who forwards these reports to the support team and others within NASA.

Throughout the contract the NIAC leadership has briefed associate administrators and other sen-ior technical staff at NASA Headquarters as well as directors of NASA Centers. The purpose ofthese briefings is to facilitate the eventual transition of NIAC advanced concepts into NASA longrange plans, to inform them about the plans for NIAC, and to seek their active support and feed-back. Yearly, NASA is requested to provide visionary, grand challenges for use in future NIACCalls for Proposals. This year the NIAC placed particular emphasis on this requirement with itsVisioning activities. In addition, NASA technical staff presents overviews of related NASAadvanced concept activities to the NIAC Director. NIAC also participates in student programssponsored through the NASA Centers. Table 13 describes NIAC’s coordination with NASA duringthis contract year.

NASA COTR NASAHeadquarters

NASA MissionDirectorates NASA Centers

Sharon Garrison Chris Moore

Aeronautics:Murray Hirschbein

Exploration Systems:Jitendra JoshiChris Moore

Science:Gordon JohnstonLou Schuster

Space Operations:Stanley Fishkind

ARC: Larry LasherDFRC: Greg Noffz GRC: Daniel GloverGSFC: Peter Hughes

...JPL: Neville MarzwellJSC: John Saiz

...KSC: Robert Youngquist LaRC: Dennis Bushnell

...MSFC: John Cole SSC: Bill St. Cyr

TABLE 12. The NASA-NIAC Support Team

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NASAACADEMY

July2005

NIAC Director, Bob Cassanova and Associate Director DianaJennings visited with 20 NASA Academy Students. BobCassanova presented an invited seminar and distributedNIAC Brochures and lapel pins.

EDUCATIONALSERIES

August2005

The Kids Science News Network, run by NASA, contactedSharon Garrison regarding a series of educational shows forchildren. The series, 21st Century Explorer, was completed inSeptember 2005 and resulted in multiple NIAC projects beingfeatured in the series.

GRANDVISIONS

WORKSHOP

9November

2005

NIAC and ANSER hosted an invitation-only workshop aimedat brainstorming grand visions for aeronautics and spaceextending well beyond NASA's long range plans. The seven-teen participants included NASA technical leaders and inno-vators. Keynote presentations by Geoff Landis(GRC/JPL/MIT) and Jim Garvin (GSFC) provided specialinspiration to the ensuing discussions. The workshop waspart of an ongoing NIAC effort to identify grand visions to beused as underpinnings to future Phase I proposals. The out-put from the workshop formed the basis for the "GrandVisions" for the CP 06-01 NIAC Phase I Call for Proposals.

GSFC TECHNOLOGY

PANEL

11January

2006

Sharon Garrison provided a NIAC overview to the GSFCTechnology Panel. She distributed NIAC brochures, theupcoming Fellows Meeting Agenda, and copies of theStudent Call for Proposals. One result of the meeting is thatthe Goddard Technology Management Office now links toNIAC. See http://gsfctechnology.gsfc.nasa.gov/.

MEETING WITHASSOCIATE

ADMINISTRA-TOR FOR

PROGRAMANALYSIS &EVALUATION

30March2006

Bob Cassanova, Diana Jennings, Ron Turner and SharonGarrison met with Associate Administrator for ProgramAnalysis and Evaluation, Dr. Scott Pace as well as Dr. JimFalker and Mr. William Claybaugh of PA&E. Dr. Falker is therepresentative to NIAC from PA&E. Dr. Pace and his staffwere briefed on recent progress in NIAC activities and givencopies of the NIAC Brochure, CDs of the Annual Report, anda DVD of the recent MIT Enterprise Forum program.

TABLE 13. Visits and Contacts within NASA (continues on next page)

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MEETING WITHASSOCIATE

ADMINISTRA-TOR

31March2006

Bob Cassanova met with Shana Dale, AssociateAdministrator, to brief her on recent NIAC activities and topresent her with copies of the NIAC Brochure, a CD of theNIAC Annual Report and a DVD of the recent MIT EnterpriseForum program. This meeting offered an opportunity to con-tinue to spread the word about NIAC activities, including theNIAC Student Fellows Prize.

NASA HQ:PHASE I CON-

CURRENCEMEETING

11May2006

Bob Cassanova, Diana Jennings, and Ron Turner met withfourteen NASA representatives at the Phase I Concurrencemeeting at NASA Headquarters. As a result of that meeting,11 projects were selected for the CP 06-01 competition.

NASA Phase IIConcurrence

Meeting

21June2006

Bob Cassanova, Diana Jennings and Ron Turner met withNASA representatives at the Phase II Concurrence meetingat NASA Headquarters. As a result of that meeting, 5 projectswere selected for the CP 06-02 competition.

TABLE 13. Visits and Contacts within NASA (continued from previous page)

Infusion of Advanced Concepts into NASAOne of the contract perform-ance metrics that is includedin the USRA contract withNASA is that 5 - 10% of theselected concepts areinfused into NASA's longrange plans. After a concepthas been developed andnurtured through the NIACprocess, it is NASA's intentthat the most promising con-cepts will be transitioned intoits program for additionalstudy and follow-on funding.NIAC has taken a proactiveapproach to this infusionprocess. In addition to theroutine activities to maintain

public awareness and visibility for all its funded advanced concepts, NIAC orchestrates the fol-lowing activities:

- Conducts status and visibility briefings with NASA researchers and managers;- Provides names of key NASA contacts to NIAC Phase I and Phase II Fellows;- From the beginning of the Phase II Call for Proposals, NIAC connects Fellows with

NASA to provide synergy and optimal program consideration for future follow-on funding by NASA;

- Invites NASA leaders to Phase II site visits to participate in status and planning discussions;- Encourages NIAC Fellows to publish their work in technical society meetings and technical

journals;- Supports NIAC Fellows to gain NASA testing/evaluation with NASA facilities key to advanced

concept verification;- Presents technical briefings to other government agencies such as the Department of

Defense and the National Reconnaissance Office to generate awareness of NIACconcepts applicable to their missions;

- Extends invitations to key technical leaders in non-NASA agencies and private industry toget keynote addresses at NIAC meetings which create opportunities for NIAC Fellows tointeract with these organizations.

As a natural consequence of NIAC's open, semi-annual meetings and the posting of advancedconcept final reports on the NIAC website, other U.S. government agencies have actively pur-sued contact with selected NIAC Fellows.

Some of these contacts have resulted in these non-NASA agencies providing funding directly tothe NIAC Fellow to continue the development of the concept. As a result, NASA benefits by lever-aging the technical and financial resources of other aerospace-related government agencies.

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NASA also has a proactive approach to considering NIAC concepts for further study. The NIACDirector and the NASA COTR, Sharon Garrison, collaborate to generate periodic reports on thestatus of infusion with a particular emphasis on concepts that have a high probability of success-ful development and should be actively considered by NASA.

By the end of this contract year, the concepts listed in Table 14 will have successfully begun theprocess of transitioning into NASA, or other government agencies, as evidenced by the receipt ofadditional funding from NASA or other agencies, or by being specifically noted in NASA longrange plans. The infusion of other NIAC concepts is described in previous NIAC annual reports.

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CONCEPT P.I. STATUS

Astronaut Bio-Suit forExploration ClassMissions

DavaNewman,

MIT

The NIAC Phase II was completed August 31, 2005.Phase III funding in the total amount of $100,000 wasallocated by NIAC and NASA HQ to continue develop-ment for an additional 12 months.

New Worlds Imager

WebsterCash,

University ofColorado

In February 2006, NASA/GSFC announced its intent toissue a sole-source Request for Proposal (RFP) to theNorthrop Grumman Corp. and Ball Aerospace Corp. forthe further development of the New Worlds Imager(NWI) concept. The NWI is an integral part of a propos-al to the NASA Discovery Mission Program.

Space Tethers

Robert Hoyt,Tethers

Unlimited,Inc.

In April 2006, Tethers Unlimited Inc. (TUI) entered intoan agreement for the launch of its MAST experiment,which will demonstrate TUI's space-survivable Hoytetheras well as low-cost nanosatellite technologies. Other TUIprojects enjoy funding from DARPA and the Navy. TUIwas also profiled as an SBIR Success Story inSeptember 2005.

ElectromagneticFormation Flight(EMFF)

RaySedwick, MIT Additional funding from NASA, DARPA and the NRO.

Global EnvironmentalMEMS Sensors(GEMS)

JohnManobianco,ENSCO, Inc.

The NIAC Phase II project received follow-on NASAfunding for the GEMS concept through the KennedySpace Center Technology Transfer Office InnovativePartnerships Program.

Table 14. Advanced Concepts Infused Into NASA This Contract Year

Inspiration and OutreachThe NIAC seeks out innovators of all ages and backgrounds to participate in the process ofexpanding our future possibilities. NIAC interacts with technical communities, the educationalcommunity and the public at large. Appendix E provides a listing of the inspiration and outreachactivities conducted during the eighth contract year of operation.

General outreach is accomplished in many ways, such as through the NIAC website and distri-bution of NIAC brochures and posters. In addition, NIAC Annual Meetings and Fellows Meetingsare open to the general public and there is no cost for admission or registration.

NIAC staff and Fellows are vocal advocates of advanced concepts within the educational audi-ence. Some NIAC Fellows actively engage students in classwork aimed at the development ofadvanced concepts or participate in outreach activities within their home organizations. NIAC staffmembers frequently speak at schools, museums, and to student groups.

NASA and other organizations turn to NIAC for content related to math, science and engineeringeducation. For example, NIAC staff and the NASA Coordinator worked with NASA to provide inputfor a new educational outreach program, 21st Century Explorers. Also, the work of NIAC Fellowshas been featured on the Futures Channel, a well-known developer of educational materials. TheSeptember 2005 MIT Forum featuring NIAC Fellows reached an audience of perhaps 40,000 ormore with webcasts and coverage through NASA television.

The accomplishments of NIAC Fellows create a near-constant demand for information. Pressreleases, often orchestrated through talented NASA staff, capture the attention of press outletsaround the world. NIAC staff are consistently available for public comment and as resources fora broad array of publications, radio and television programming, acting too as a conduit for themedia to directly interface with NIAC Fellows. During the eighth year of contract operation, thework of the NIAC was featured in numerous highly visible publications, including DiscoverMagazine, The Washington Post, Scientific American, Wired, and The Christian Science Monitor.The World Wide Web also carried numerous stories for NIAC fellows on popular sites such asSpace.com and CNN.com.

NIAC maintains an open line of communication with leaders in the global technical communitythrough the NIAC web site and participation in national and international technical society meet-ings through the presentation of technical papers. The NIAC leadership also provides advocacyby orchestrating vigorous dialogue about revolutionary concepts through active participation inappropriate technical societies (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, theInternational Astronautical Federation and the American Society for Gravitational and SpaceBiology) and in technical committees affiliated with these societies. NIAC actively pursues expo-sure with aerospace industry associations through presentations, often as an invited participant,to these organizations. The NIAC leadership and NIAC Fellows also present invited seminars atuniversities, non-NASA research agencies and non-aerospace industry associations and non-aerospace industries. The NIAC annual meeting, the annual NIAC Phase I Fellows meeting andfocused NIAC workshops provide opportunities for open analysis and advocacy of currently fund-ed advanced concepts as well as an unbiased and open-minded examination of revolutionaryconcepts and enabling technologies.

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The leadership of NIAC, including the Director, Associate Director and Senior Science Advisor,promote revolutionary, advanced concepts through participation, primarily by invitation, on steer-ing and oversight committees organized by NASA and other civilian agencies, Department ofDefense, National Academy of Sciences, and National Research Council committees. This keyactivity continues to provide open examination and expansion of the NIAC process for advocacy, analysis and definition of advanced concepts. NIAC regularly interfaces with other U.S. researchagencies to (1) stay informed about technology breakthroughs developed by these agencies; (2)encourage feedback to NIAC Fellows from a diverse constituency of research organizations; (3)explore the potential for supplemental funding for NIAC advanced concepts; and (4) establishlinks with the community of researchers funded by these agencies.

Release and Publicity of Calls for ProposalsThere are variousmethods used torelease and publi-cize the NIACPhase I Calls forProposals. Some ofthe ways that NIACsolicits Calls to thecommunity are asfollows:

Notices are sent tothe NIAC email dis-tribution list, gener-ated from responsesby individuals whosigned up on the

NIAC web site to receive the Call; Announcements on professional society web sites or newslet-ters (American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics, American Astronautical Society, theAmerican Astronomical Society and the American Society of Gravitational & Space Biology);Announcements on the USRA and NIAC web sites; Web links from NASA Mission Directorate’sWeb pages; Web link from the NASA Coordinator’s Web page; Announcements to a distributionlist for Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU), minority institutions (MI) and small dis-advantaged businesses (SDB) provided by NASA; Distribution of announcements to an EarthSciences list provided by NASA GSFC; Announcements distributed at technical society meetings,Distribution of the NIAC Student Fellows Prize (NSFP) Announcement through the Space GrantCollege Directors and the USRA Council of Institutions.

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Many National and International Publications Feature Articles about NIAC.

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The NIAC poster (above) has become auseful tool for soliciting and increasingNIAC's visibility. It is distributed by theNIAC staff at numerous meetings,workshops, seminars and conferences.

An updated NIAC poster (above) willalso become a useful tool for solicitingand increasing NIAC's visibility. It willalso be distributed by the NIAC staff.

The NIAC brochure (above) hasbeen widely distributed withinNASA, other government agencies,technical societies, universities andthe science-oriented public.

Recruitment of Technically Diverse Peer ReviewersThe NIAC leadership has developed an efficient and proven method for identifying and selectingthe most qualified and appropriate external review panel members to evaluate proposals submit-ted to the Institute. NIAC has continuously recruited experts across a broad cross-section of tech-nical expertise and a total of 295 individuals have been used, thus far, for peer review. In orderto ensure a continuous refreshment of the available expertise representing newly emerging tech-nologies within the scientific community, the NIAC leadership continually recruits additionalreviewers for each new peer review cycle. NIAC peer reviewers recruited by USRA include sen-ior research executives in private industry, senior research faculty in universities, specializedresearchers in both industry and universities, and aerospace consultants.

One significant resource that the Institute has employed successfully and will continue to exploitis the personal knowledge of the NIAC Director, Associate Director, and Senior Science Advisorof many qualified experts in a wide variety of fields related to NIAC. Some of these experts havea prior association with NIAC, some served previously as NIAC reviewers, and some participat-ed in one of the Grand Challenges workshops. Others may have been suggested by NIACScience Council members. An additional resource of qualified peer reviewers can be found in theauthors of publications cited in the proposals to be reviewed. These researchers often representthe forefront of knowledge in a specific, emerging technology directly relevant to the proposedstudy.

NIAC Seventh Annual MeetingThe 7th Annual Meeting of the NASA Institute for Advanced Concepts washeld on October 10-11, 2005 at the Omni Interlocken Resort in Broomfield,Colorado. The meeting was attended by approximately 106 people includ-ing NIAC Phase I and Phase II Fellows, NASA representatives, USRAmanagement, news media, members of the NIAC Science Council, mem-bers of the technical community and the NIAC/ANSER leadership team.

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NIAC Director, Robert Cassanova (far left) presents NIAC cups to NIAC Fellows (from left toright) Nestor Voronka, Gerald Smith, James Powell, Herbert Schnopper, Gerald Jackson,Mason Peck, Jim Bickford, Pamela Menges, George Maise, Young Bae, and Brian Gilchrist.

,

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NIAC Associate Director, Diana Jennings and Student Fellow Joseph Fronczek (left photo).NIAC Fellow, Alexey Pankine of Global Aerospace Corp. gives his presentation (right photo).

NIAC Associate Director, Diana Jennings (left to right) and NIAC Student Fellows BrianSikemma, Joseph Fronczek, Aimee Covert, Andrew Bingham and Nicholas Boechler and

NIAC Publications Specialist, Katherine Reilly.

NIAC Director, Robert Cassanova welcomes attendees to the 7th Annual Meeting (left).Keynote Speakers, Courtney Stadd (center), and Paul MacCready (right).

There were three keynote speakers: Courtney Stadd, from Bigelow Aerospace spoke on “BeyondLEO: Political Issues and Challenges Facing NASA”, Paul MacCready from AeroVironment spokeon “Far Out Aeronautics and Motions” and Prof. Fred Adams from the University of Michiganspoke on “Cosmic Genesis and Eschatology: The Origin and Fate of the Universe”.

There were 11 Phase II Fellows Talks, 12 Phase I concept posters and 5 NIAC student posters.All presentations have been posted on the NIAC website (http:www.niac.usra.edu).

Courtney Stadd, Bigelow Aerospace “Beyond LEO: Political Issues and Challenges Facing NASA”Courtney Stadd graduated from Georgetown University's School of ForeignService with a focus in international relations and economics. Mr. Stadd's work hasspanned government leadership and corporate executive positions. In the govern-ment, he managed several hundred million dollar R&D technology programs, aswell as policy positions focused on removing barriers to market-driven opportuni-

ties in aerospace-related technology areas. In industry, he co-founded high tech start-ups, suchas DigitalGlobe. From 2001-2003, Mr. Stadd was NASA's Chief of Staff and White House Liaison.Mr. Stadd is founder and President of Capitol Solutions, a management consulting services firmestablished in 1993 with a broad range of public and public sector clients in aerospace and hightechnology.

Paul MacCready, AeroVironment“Far Out Aeronautics and Motions”Paul MacCready (Ph.D., Aeronautics, Caltech 1952; MS, Physics, Caltech 1948;BS, Physics, Yale 1947) is known as the "the father of human-powered flight", astatus he attained in 1977 when his human powered Gossamer Condor capturedthe first Kremer Prize, and in 1979 when his Gossamer Albatross won the nextKremer Prize for crossing the English Channel. He is the founder and Chairmanof AeroVironment, known for innovations in efficient, alternatively-fueled vehicles,

including the solar powered Solar Challenger and the Sunraycer, which won the first solar carrace across Australia in 1987, and (with General Motors) the battery-powered Impact car. Theunique vehicles produced by MacCready and his teams have garnered numerous honors andawards and captured media attention for decades.

Fred Adams, University of Michigan“Comic Genesis and Eschatology: The origin and fate of the universe”Fred Adams (Ph. D, Physics, University of California, Berkeley 1988; BS,Mathematics and Physics from Iowa State University at Ames). After a postdoctor-al appointment at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, he joined thefaculty in the Physics Department at the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) in1991, where he is now a Full Professor. He is the recipient of the National Science

Foundation Young Investigator Award as well as numerous other awards for his research andteaching. Professor Adams is internationally recognized for his work in the general area of theo-retical astrophysics with a focus on the study of star formation and cosmology. His recent work incosmology includes a treatise on the long term fate and evolution of the universe and its con-stituent astrophysical objects.

The NIAC Science Council viewed all of the student posters, discussed each student advancedconcept with the author and selected the concept developed by Andrew Bingham of ClarksonCollege for a presentation at the following NIAC Phase I Fellows meeting in March 2005. The titleof his concept is “Deployment of an Interstellar Electromagnetic Acceleration System”.

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NIAC Fellows Meeting The NIAC Phase I Fellows Meeting was held at the Technology Square Research Building inAtlanta, Georgia on March 7-8, 2006. All current Phase I Fellows presented a status briefing ontheir advanced concepts. All presentations, attendance list, and the agenda are accessible via theNIAC website at http://www.niac.usra.edu. Special insight was provided through the presenta-tions of the following keynote speakers:

- John Cramer, University of Washington, “The Blind Men and the Quantum”

- Sharon Garrison, NASA Coordinator for NIAC, “Funding Opportunities for NIAC Fellows”

Professor John Cramer, University of WashingtonProfessor Cramer earned his B.A., M.A and Ph.D. degrees in Physics fromRice University. His research interests include ultrarelativistic heavy ionphysics, the interpretation of quantum mechanics and ultra-high energyastrophysics. He is a Fellow of the American Association for theAdvancement of Science and the American Physical Society. ProfessorCramer has been a program advisor to the TRIUMF Laboratory, NationalSuperconducting Cyclotron Laboratory at Michigan State University,

Cyclotron Laboratory at the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory and the Clinton P.Anderson MesonPhysics Facility (LAMPF) of Los Alamos National Laboratory. He has published more than 150papers in referred journals and conference proceedings. In addition to being an established andrecognized teacher and research physicist, he has published two science fiction books, Einstein'sBridge and Twistor and has contributed to columns appearing in the Analog ScienceFiction/Science Fact Magazine. Additional information about Professor Cramer is available at:http://faculty.washington.edu/jcramer/

NIAC Science Council MeetingsThe NIAC Science Council met with the NIAC leadership, USRA management and the NASACOTR immediately following the October 2005 Annual Meeting and the March 2006 FellowsMeeting. The Council meetings began with an informal dinner after the adjournment of the NIACmeetings and continued on the next day. The NIAC technical leadership (Director, AssociateDirector and Senior Science Advisor) presented a status report of all NIAC activities since the lastCouncil meeting and discussed the plans for the next 12 months. The meetings concluded withthe Council giving a summary of their observations and recommendations.

NIAC Student Fellows Prize (NSFP)Following the October 2005 meeting, the NIAC leadership team in consultationwith the NIAC Science Council organized a new program to identify and nur-ture innovative undergraduates who have shown exceptional creativity andpromise for success in building visions of the future. The NIAC StudentFellows Prize (NSFP), sponsored by Universities Space Research Associationand managed by NIAC, was initiated in 2005 to attract these students and

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facilitate their studies. The Prize, in the amount of $9,000 dollars, is intended to foster mentoring,networking, and creativity, and is a student's first opportunity to exercise responsibility in projectmanagement. Each of the winners is responsible for three progress reports as well as two pre-sentations: the first, a poster presentation at NIAC's Annual meeting and the second, a briefingdelivered at NIAC's Fellows meeting.

The winners of the NIAC Student Fellows Prize for Academic Year 2005-2006 are:

The call for proposals for the Prize for academic year 2006-2007 was released in January 2006with a due date of April 17, 2006. Fourteen proposals were received and on May 5, 2006 fivemore students were selected (Table 16).

The Winners of the NIAC Student Fellows Prize for Academic Year 2006-2007 are:

Support for these student prize winners will begin September 1, 2006.

Student & Affiliation Concept Proposal Title

ANDREW BINGHAMClarkson University

Interstellar Exploration by Repeated ExternalAcceleration

NICHOLAS BOECHLERGeorgia Institute of Technology Direct Conversion for Solar Space Power

AIMEE COVERTUniversity of Michigan

Advanced Concept for the Detection of WeatherHazards on Mars: Non-Thermal Microwave Emissions byColliding Dust/Sand Particles

JOSEPH FRONCZEKNew Mexico State University

Bio-Inspired Sensor Swarms to Detect Leaksin Pressurized Systems

BRIAN SIKKEMAMichigan Technological University Wind-Driven Power Generation on Titan

TABLE 15. 2005-2006 NIAC Student Fellows Prize Winners

Student & Affiliation Concept Proposal Title

J. MICHAEL BURGESSUniversity of Alabama, Huntsville Advanced Grazing Incidence Neutron Imaging System

DANIELLA DELLA-GUISTINAUniversity of Arizona

The Martian Bus Schedule: An Innovative Technique forProtecting Humans on a Journey to Mars

JONATHAN SHARMAGeorgia Institute of Technology

START: Utilizing Near-Earth Asteroids with TetherTechnologies

FLORIS VAN BREUGELCornell University Evolution of a Scalable, Hovering Flapping Robot

RIGEL WOIDAUniversity of Arizona The Road to Mars

TABLE 16. 2006-2007 NIAC Student Fellows Prize Winners

NIAC Student Fellows Publications & PresentationsDuring the 8th Contract Year there were four conference papers published by NIAC StudentFellows, as follows.

Nicholas Boechler:

"An Evolutionary Model for Space Solar Power", N. Komerath, S. Wanis, S. Hameer, N. Boechler.Presented at the STAIF 2006 Conference in Albuquerque, NM, February 2006.

"SPACE POWER GRID: EVOLUTIONARY APPROACH TO SPACE SOLAR POWER", N.Komerath, N. Boechler, S. Wanis. 2006 ASCE Earth and Space Conference.

Joseph Fronczek:

"Bio-Inspired Sensor Swarms to Detect Leaks in Pressurized Systems", Presented at IEEESystems, Man, and Cybernetics Conference SMC 2005, Hawaii, October 2005.

"Locating Leaks in Pressurized Environmental Containments: Shockwave Sensing UsingDynamic Sensor Nets", Presented at the 6th International Conference on Intelligent TechnologiesInTech05, Phuket, Thailand, December 2005.

John McLucas Astronaut Safety Research PrizeThe Arthur C. Clarke Foundation, the Space Shuttle Children's Trust Fund, and other organiza-tions and individuals have established a permanent endowment dedicated to the honor of the lateDr. John McLucas for the purpose of studying and improving Astronaut safety. The endowmentwas used to create the John McLucas Astronaut Safety Research Fund aimed in part at promot-ing research by students. The fund sponsors the annual John McLucas Research Prize admin-istered by USRA. In 2005 and again in 2006, NIAC nominees were selected for this prize.

2005: Joseph Fronczek for his research on “"Bio-Inspired Sensor Swarms to Detect Leaks inPressurized Systems"

2006: Della Diguistina for her research on “"The Martian Bus Schedule ; An Innovative Techniquefor Protecting Humans on a Journey to Mars"

Financial PerformanceThe NIAC measures its financial performance by how well it minimizes its operational expensesin order to devote maximum funds for the development of advanced concepts. For this reportingperiod, 73% of the NIAC's total budget was devoted to advanced concept research and develop-ment.

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The NIAC MISSION

The NASA Institute for Advanced Concepts (NIAC) was formed for the explicit purpose of func-tioning as an independent source of revolutionary aeronautical and space concepts that coulddramatically impact how NASA develops and conducts its missions. The Institute provides a high-ly visible, recognized and agency-level entry point for outside thinkers and researchers. The ulti-mate goal of NIAC is to infuse the most promising NIAC-funded advanced concepts into futureNASA plans and programs. The Institute continues to function as a virtual institute and utilizesInternet resources whenever productive and efficient for communication with grant and subcon-tract recipients, NASA, and the science and engineering communities.

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D E S C R I P T I O N O F T H E N I A C

The NIAC Mission

NOW 10 years 20 years 30 years 40 years

MISSIONDIRECTORATESExploration SystemsSpace OperationsScience ResearchAeronautics Research

NIAC MISSION:Revolutionary Advanced Concepts

ARCHITECTURES-Overall plan to accomplish a goal.-A suite of systems, their operational methodsand interrelationships capable of meeting anoverall mission or program objective.

SYSTEMS-The physical embodiment of the architecture.-A suite of equipment, software, and operationalobjective.

NASAPLANS &PROGRAMS

TECHNOLOGYEnablers to constructthe system.

Revolutionary concepts for sys-tems and architectures that canhave a major impact on futuremissions of the NASA Enterprises,inspire the general public, andexcite the nation’s youth.

N I A C F O C U SProvide a pathway for innovatorswith the ability for non-linear cre-ativity to explore revolutionaryresponses to the grand visions offuture aerospace endeavors.

N I A C M E T H O D

OrganizationThe NIAC staff is located at the NIAC Headquarters office in Atlanta, Georgia, the Washington,D.C. area, the greater Boston area, and the Chicago area.

Since NIAC is an Institute of the Universities Space Research Association (USRA), the NIACDirector reports to the President of USRA. USRA uses many methods in its management of NIACto ensure NASA is provided with quality service at a reasonable price. Approximately 70% of thefunds provided by NASA for the operation of NIAC are used for funding advanced concepts.USRA refers to the remaining 30% of the NIAC budget as NIAC operations costs. Three generalmanagement processes and/or methods are employed to provide a comprehensive and cost-effective, advanced concepts development program for NASA. First, USRA uses a proven solic-itation and peer review process to solicit, evaluate, and select proposed advanced concepts.Once new concepts are selected for funding, USRA employs the second phase of its acquisitionmanagement approach, which is to award a grant or contract to the selected organizations. Toaccomplish this, USRA uses its government-approved purchasing system. USRA personnelworking this aspect of the acquisition process are guided by the USRA Procurement Manual,which is modeled from the Federal Acquisition Regulations. After the appropriate contractualinstrument has been awarded, USRA monitors overall performance against the respective pro-posed budget and concept development milestones through bi-monthly reports from the principalinvestigators covering technical, schedule, and budget status.

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NIAC SCIENCE COUNCIL

Donna Shirley-ChairJohn CramerLynda GoffLester LylesKeith Raney

Parker StaffordJack Stuster

Michael Yarymovych

USRA Board of Trustees

USRA PresidentUSRA HEADQUARTERS

Corporate Resources

NIAC LEADERSHIP

Robert A. CassanovaDirector

Diana E. JenningsAssociate Director

Ronald E. Turner *Senior Science Advisor

NIAC HEADQUARTERSSTAFF

Dale K. Little Operations Manager

Robert J. Mitchell *Network Engineer

Katherine M. ReillyPublications Specialist

NIAC FELLOWS

Concept Development

TECHNICAL CONSULTANTS

Peer ReviewsSite Visits

Keynote Speakers

The NIAC Organization Chart

(* ANSER employee)

ANSER, through a subcontract from USRA-NIAC, brings unique knowledge and expertise to theNIAC program by providing technical and programmatic support to the operation of the Institute.ANSER's participation in the operation of NIAC enables the Institute to have access to significantresources developed over decades of support to the government through the Department ofDefense (DoD). ANSER provides a means to stay aware of innovative DoD and HomelandSecurity (HS) activities relevant to NASA and NIAC. ANSER has a long association with U.S. mil-itary aerospace activities, DoD research facilities, and the Defense Advanced Research ProjectsAgency (DARPA). ANSER's Homeland Security Institute maintains a close working relationshipwith agencies and organizations involved in homeland security. This facilitates a means to intro-duce NIAC Fellows and concepts to the relevant DoD and HS communities. At ANSER's initia-tive, several NIAC Fellows have presented their research in invited talks in classified settings(e.g., through an NRO speaker's forum). These well-attended presentations get additional expo-sure after the taped talk and the electronic slides are posted on a DoD Web site. ANSER sup-ports the operation of the Institute as an electronic virtual entity.

As a corporate expense, the NIAC Science Council was formed to oversee the operation of NIACon behalf of the relevant scientific and engineering communities. The Council is composed of adiverse group of thinkers, eminent in their respective fields, and representing a broad cross-sec-tion of technologies related to the NASA Charter. The Council has a rotating membership witheach member serving a three-year term. The USRA Board of Trustees appoints all Council mem-bers. The current membership of the NIAC Science Council is listed in Table 17.

TABLE 17. Current Membership of the NIAC Science Council

FacilitiesNIAC Headquarters occupies 2,000 square feet of professional office space in Atlanta, GA. Thestaff is linked via a Windows 2000-based Local Area Network (LAN) consisting of four Pentium 4PC's and three UNIX servers. Internet access is provided via a fiber-optic link through the GeorgiaInstitute of Technology network. Other equipment includes one EMC AX-100 drive array, oneExabyte tape backup, one Dell Inspiron 7000, one IBM Thinkpad T-21, one IBM Thinkpad T-41,one Epson 765C LCD projector, one NEC MT 1030 LCD projector, one flatbed scanner, one

MEMBER AFFILIATIONDr. Robert A. Cassanova NASA Institute for Advanced Concepts (NIAC) [ex officio]Dr. John Cramer University of Washington, SeattleDr. Lynda J. Goff University of California-Santa CruzGeneral (Ret.) Lester Lyles The Lyles GroupDr. R. Keith Raney Johns Hopkins UniversityDr. Donna L. Shirley - Chair President, Managing CreativityMr. Parker S. Stafford Aerospace ConsultantDr. Jack Stuster Anacapa Sciences, IncorporatedDr. Michael Yarymovych Aerospace Consultant

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Xerox Phaser 7300DN printer, one HP Color LaserJet 5 printer, one HP LaserJet 4000TN print-er, one HP LaserJet 3100 facsimile machine and one Sharp AR405 copier.

The servers use RedHat Linux for their operating systems, Apache for the Web server, Sendmailfor the email server, Sybase SQL server for the database, and OpenSSL for Web and email secu-rity. The workstations use Windows 2000 for their operating systems, Microsoft Office XPProfessional for office applications, Netscape Communicator for email access, and AdobeAcrobat for distributed documents.

Virtual InstituteNIAC envisions progressive use of the Internet as a key element in its operation. The Internet isthe primary vehicle to link the NIAC office with NIAC fellows, NASA points-of-contact, and othermembers of the science and engineering communities. The Internet is also the primary commu-nication link for publicizing NIAC, announcing the availability of Calls for Proposals, receiving pro-posals, and reporting on technical status. All proposals must be submitted to NIAC in electronicformat. All reports from the fellows to NIAC and from NIAC to NASA are submitted electronically.The peer review of proposals is also conducted electronically whenever the peer reviewer has thenecessary Internet connectivity and application software.

ANSER created and maintains the NIAC web site (http://www.niac.usra.edu) which serves asthe focal point of NIAC to the outside world. The web site can be accessed to retrieve and sub-mit NIAC information and proposals. The NIAC web site is linked from the NASA GSFC FlightPrograms & Projects Directorate web site (http://ntpio.nasa .gov/niac/) and the NASA ResearchOpportunities web site (http://search.nasa.gov/nasasearch/search/search.jsp?nasaInclude=niac&Simple+Search.x=27&Simple+Search.y=1), the Office of Earth Science

Research Opportunities at (http://www.earth.nasa.gov/nra/current/index.htm) and the SmallBusiness Innovative Research program at (http:// sbir.nasa.gov). Numerous other links to theNIAC Web site are now established from NASA Centers and science and engineering Websites.

The NIAC Web Site Design -http://www.niac.usra.edu.

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The NIAC Process

The NIAC process inspires and moves toward an ultimate goal of infusing revolutionary advancedconcepts into NASA’s long range plans across the Agency.

NIAC's role is to provide additional options for consideration by NASA with potentially revolution-ary improvement in aerospace performance and the resulting dramatic extension of mission andprogrammatic goals. NIAC provides a pathway for innovators with the ability for non-linear cre-ativity to explore revolutionary solutions to the Grand Challenges of future aerospace endeavors.The ultimate goal of the NIAC process is to infuse the most successful advanced concepts intomainstream plans and programs.

NIAC follows a process of providing a Grand Vision, Inspiration, Solicitation, Review, Selectionand Nurturing leading to Infusion in its pursuit of advanced concepts. This process often providesInspiration for enabling technologies and subsystems, scientific Discovery and an expansion ofthe Knowledge base.

Typical NIAC activities related to "Inspiration" and "Nurturing" are described in detail in theAccomplishments section that begins on page 10 of this report and include the production anddistribution of numerous publications describing NIAC and its funded concepts, active participa-tion in technical meetings and societies, and attendance at numerous invited seminars, etc.Nurturing is further accomplished through Phase II site visits and NIAC sponsored meetings.

Throughout this process, NIAC engages in critical ongoing activities for:

- Active involvement with all constituencies of the technical community;- Collaboration and communication with government, industry and academia;- Connectivity with technology-oriented organizations;- Inspiration, education and outreach through the educational community and the

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mainstream press;- Supportive management and nurturing of NIAC awardees;- Feedback from its customers, other agencies and constituencies of the technical

community at large.

Solicitation

The actual solicitation for advanced concepts is assembled and published by the NIAC staff.The technical scope of the solicitation emphasizes the desire for revolutionary advanced con-cepts that address all elements of the NASA mission. The scope of work is written to inspireproposals in all NASA mission areas.

In general, proposed advanced concepts should be:

- Revolutionary, new and not duplicative of concepts previously studied by NASA,- An architecture or system,- Described in an aeronautics and/or space mission context,- Adequately substantiated with a description of the scientific principles that form the

basis for the concept,- Largely independent of existing technology or a unique combination of systems and

technologies.

Over the last 100 years of scientific and engineering development, there have been many notableconcepts, technical accomplishments and scientific breakthroughs that have had a revolutionaryimpact on transportation within the Earth’s atmosphere, the exploration of our solar system andbeyond, and on our understanding of the cosmos. Creative and often intuitive approaches maylead to revolutionary paradigm changes and interpretative applications or concepts.

The Phase I Call for Proposals continues to express a special interest in receiving proposals forinnovative and visionary concepts from disciplines that are normally focused on non-aerospaceendeavors and may have the potential for innovative application in the aerospace sector. Theseconcepts may be emerging at the interface of traditional disciplines where innovation often springforth in non-aerospace fields.

The evaluation criteria for Phase I and Phase II concepts are included in the solicitation and struc-tured to convey what is being sought, and are summarized on the next page.

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These revolutionary concepts may be characterized by one or moreof the following attributes:

- The genius is in the generalities, and not the details,- The new idea creates a pathway that addresses a roadblock,- It inspires others to produce useful science and further elaboration of the fundamental idea,- It contributes to a shift in the world view,- It triggers a transformation of intuition.

NIAC Proposal Evaluation Criteria

The NIAC Calls for Proposals are distributed in electronic form only. Under a typical schedule forNIAC operation, NIAC solicits annually for one Phase I and one Phase II. The release of theseproposals generally occur in the latter half of the calendar year.

ProposalsIn order to be considered for award, all proposals are required to be submitted to NIAC electron-ically as a .pdf file. Technical proposals in response to Phase I Call for Proposals are limited to12 pages; whereas, Phase II technical proposals are limited to 25 pages. There is no page limitfor cost proposals.

PHASE I -6 months / $50 - $75K

PHASE II -Up to 24 month / Up to $400K

1. How well have the benefits beenqualified in the context of a future aero-nautics and/or space mission appropri-ate to the NASA charter and responsibili-ties?

2. How well is the concept described ina system or architecture context?

3. Is the concept revolutionary ratherthan evolutionary? To what extent doesthe proposed activity suggest andexplore creative and original conceptsthat may initiate a revolutionary para-digm change?

4. Is the concept substantiated with adescription of applicable scientific andtechnical disciplines necessary for devel-opment?

5. How well conceived and organizedis the study work plan, and does theteam have appropriate key personneland proven experience?

1. Does the proposal continue the devel-opment of a revolutionary architecture orsystem in the context of a future NASAmission? Is the proposed work likely toprovide a sound basis for NASA to consid-er the concept for a future mission or pro-gram?

2. Is the concept substantiated with adescription of applicable scientific andtechnical disciplines necessary for devel-opment?

3. Has a pathway for development of atechnology roadmap been adequatelydescribed? Are all of the appropriateenabling technologies identified?

4. Are the programmatic benefits andcost versus performance of the proposedconcept adequately described and under-stood? Does the proposal show the rela-tionship between the concept’s complexityand its benefits, cost, and performance?

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Peer ReviewPeer reviewers are selected from thetechnically appropriate reviewers inthe NIAC database. Additionalreviewers are recruited as needed toadequately represent the technicalemphasis of each proposal. Eachreviewer is required to sign a non-dis-closure and a non-conflict-of-interestagreement prior to their involvement.A small monetary compensation isoffered to each reviewer. The techni-cal proposals and all required formsare transmitted to the reviewer via theInternet, by diskette or by paper copy,depending on the electronic capabili-ties of the reviewer.

Reviewers are given approximatelythirty days to review the technicalproposals and return their completedevaluation forms. Each proposalreceives at least three independentpeer reviews. Each reviewer evalu-ates a proposal according to the crite-rion stated in the Call for Proposals.

Templates/forms are created to helpguide the reviewer through theprocess of assigning a numericalranking and providing written com-ments. Only NIAC and USRA staffanalyze cost proposals.

Results of the peer reviews are com-piled by NIAC, rank-ordered by areview panel, and prepared for pres-entation to NASA HQ at a concur-rence briefing.

NASA ConcurrenceThe NIAC Director presents the prioritized research selections to the representatives of NASAAssociate Administrators of the NASA Mission Directorates before the final selection andannouncement of awards. Technical concurrence by NASA, required before any subgrants orsubcontracts are announced or awarded, is obtained to ensure consistency with NASA’s Charter

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Receive Proposal Peer ReviewEvaluations (Electronically if possible)

Receive Proposals Electronically andLog into NIAC Proposal Database

Review of Proposals by 3 InternalReviewers for Competitiveness

Assign 3 (or more) ExternalReviewers from the Technical

Community per Proposal

Send Proposals to Reviewers(Electronically if possible)

Review Panel Prioritization bya Subset of Peer Reviewers

Present Concurrence Briefingto NASA

Follow-up With NASAKey Technical Contacts

Concurrence by NASA

Notify Selected Award WinnersInitiate Grant/Contract NegotiationsElectronically Transmit Feedback

NIAC Peer Review Process

and to ensure that the concept is not duplicating concepts previously or currently being developedby NASA.

AwardsBased on the results of the NIAC peer review, technical concurrence from NASA HQ and theavailability of funding, the award decision is made by the NIAC Director. All proposal authors arenotified electronically of the acceptance or rejection of their proposals. The USRA contracts officethen begins processing contractual instruments to each of the winning organizations. The “prod-uct” of each award is a final report. All final reports are posted on the NIAC Web site for publicviewing. If requested, feedback based on the peer review evaluation comments is provided to thenon-selected proposal authors.

Management of AwardsNIAC will continue to require all Phase I (grant) and Phase II (contract) recipients to submit bi-monthly and final reports. All Phase II contractors will be required to host a mid-term site visit andto submit an interim report before the end of the first half of their contract. Participants in the sitevisits will include the NIAC Director, invited experts in the technical field of the concept, and NASArepresentatives who may be able to facilitate the eventual transition to its long-range NASA fund-ing. All Phase II Fellows are required to give a status briefing at the NIAC annual meeting. AllPhase I Fellows are required to present a poster at the Annual Meeting and give a status briefingat the Phase I Fellows workshop held near the end of their Phase I grant.

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During the ninth contract year, NIAC will build on its cornerstones of creativity that have beenvalidated during the first eight years of leadership in the community of aerospace innovators.NIAC provides a pathway for revolutionary discoveries that begins with the examination andarticulation of "grand visions" that not only stretch the limits of technical feasibility but alsoinspire creative solutions to near-term challenges. These "visions" are continuously reexam-ined and expanded during the NIAC Annual and Fellows Meetings, a Grand VisionsWorkshop with invited NASA technical leaders and seminars given by the NIAC leadership touniversity and industry groups. The technical community has an opportunity to propose theirown interpretation of the grand visions through the annual NIAC Call for Proposals.

During the ninth year of operation of NIAC, the following activities described in the followingsections and summarized in Table 18 will be accomplished.

P L A N S F O R T H E 9 t h C O N T R A C T Y E A R

ACTIVITY 2006 2007

NIAC Annual Meeting

Grand Visions

Phase I Fellows Meeting

Science Council Meeting

Phase II CP 05-02

Phase II Site Visits

Phase I CP 06-01

Phase II CP 06-02

Student Fellows Prize ‘05-’06

Student Fellows Prize ‘06-’07

Phase I CP 07-01

Phase II CP 07-02

Seminars, Briefings to NASA

Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

EventsAnnounce AwardsCall for Proposals

TABLE 18. Key Activities Planned for the Ninth Contract Year

(*SFP = Student Fellows Prize)

Review & SelectionGrant & ContractPerformance Period

Communication with the Technical Community andArticulation of Grand Visions

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Communication with the Technical Communityand Articulation of Grand Visions

Host the 9th Annual Meeting on October 17-18, 2006 at the Marriott Hotel in Tucson, Arizona.Keynote speakers will be Dr. Anthony Tethers (Director of DARPA), William Pomerantz(Director of Space Programs, X PRIZE Foundaton) and Dr. Sean Carroll (University ofChicago). NIAC Phase II Fellows will present a status report on the development of theiradvanced concept and NIAC Phase I and Student Fellows will present a poster about theiradvanced concept. Sharon Garrison, NASA Coordinator for NIAC, will present an overviewof the SBIR/STTR program.

Host a "Grand Visions" workshop with invited NASA technical leaders in November 2006.The one-day workshop will be held in the Washington, DC area and technical leaders from theNASA Mission Directorates will be invited to participate in a lively session to set their sightsand capture their vision beyond currently defined NASA programs. One or more keynotespeakers will be invited to set the atmosphere for creative, unfettered thinking.

Host the NIAC Phase I Fellows Meeting in March 2007 at NIAC Headquarters in Atlanta,Georgia. The Fellows Meeting will be structured to give the recipients of CP 06-01 grants anopportunity to summarize the results of their Phase I development activity and to receive feed-back from the attendees. One or more keynote speakers will be invited to provide their per-spectives on an emerging technical area.

Stay engaged with the technical community. Invited seminars will be conducted at universi-ties, industries and scientific foundations. Thus far, seminars are scheduled at the NASAAcademy at NASA GSFC in July 2006 and the International Space University in Strasbourg,France on July 22-29, 2006. NIAC also is preparing plans to present at the Institute forAdvanced Study in the Fall of 2006. The NIAC technical leadership will chair sessions at theSTAIF 2007 meeting in February 2007 and participate in AIAA technical committees and playa leadership role in the ASGSB.

Maintain a healthy dialogue with the technical and scientific press. The NIAC technical lead-ership and the NASA Public Affairs Office will post notices about NIAC advanced conceptawards and other items of special interest through the NIAC website and NASA new releas-es. The NIAC technical leadership and the NASA Coordinator will encourage the publicationof articles in the popular science press by participating in interviews with reporters.

Solicit and Select Concepts for RevolutionaryAdvanced Concepts

Continued Development of Advanced Concepts

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Solicit and Select Concepts for Revolutionary Advanced Concepts

Release the next Phase I and Phase II Calls for Proposals. The Phase I Call for Proposals,CP 07-01, and the Phase II Call for Proposals, CP 07-02, will be released no later than earlyDecember 2006. CP 07-01 will have a due date in early February, 2007 and CP 07-02 willhave a due date in May 2007.

Conduct the peer review, concurrence and selection of Phase I and Phase II Awards. Afterlogging in the proposals to the NIAC database, proposals will be reviewed internally for com-petitiveness and sent to external peer reviewers. The resulting evaluations will be reviewedby a panel of experts convened at NIAC headquarters which will assist in prioritizing the pro-posals for an award. A concurrence briefing will be conducted at NASA headquarters and,following formal concurrence by NASA, the concepts selected for an award will be publiclyannounced.

Release the NIAC Student Fellows Prize Call for Proposals. The next Call for Proposals willbe released in January 2007 with a due date in late April 2007. Prizes will be announced inMay 2007 for funding to begin in September 2007.

Continued Development of Advanced Concepts

Conduct site visits with currently funded Phase II Fellows. Each of the Phase II Fellows isrequired to host a site visit near the end of the first year of their concept development. In addi-tion to the members of the investigator's team, the attendees include the NIAC technical lead-ership, invited technical consultants, NASA technical and programmatic leaders and technicalrepresentatives from other government agencies. The purpose of the site visit is to review thestatus of the concept development, give feedback to the concept team and explore the possi-bility of additional funding from NASA and other funding sources. The site visits for the PhaseII CP 05-02 awards will occur in August 2006.

Give status briefings to the NASA leadership. Briefings on the status of NIAC advanced con-cepts will be presented to the NASA Associate Administrators, key technical leaders in NASAHQ, NASA Center Directors and NASA Center technical leaders at appropriate times over thenext year.

Oversight by USRA

The NIAC Science Council will meet to receive an overview of the status and plans ofNIAC on the day following each of the scheduled Annual Meeting and Fellows Meetings.In addition to the Council Members, the attendees include the NIAC technical leadership,NIAC administrative and information technology staff, publications staff, NASACoordinator and other NASA representatives. The Council will issue a report to USRAmanagement and NASA on the operation of NIAC and will offer suggestions for futureactivities.

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APPENDIX A

Descriptions of Enabling Technologies from NIAC

CP 02-01 Studies (Performance Period: September 2003 - August 2005)

SOLID STATE AIRCRAFTAnthony Colozza, Ohio Aerospace Institute

CRITICAL TECHNOLOGIES

1. Ionic Polymer Metal Composite (IPMC). The development of the IPMC material is oneof the most critical issues to the viability of the concept. Further development that willdemonstrate the ability to make large sections of the material as well as the demonstra-tion and characterization of its behavior under various operational and control conditionsis critical to the concepts viability.

2. Thin Film Photovoltaic Array. The solid state aircraft (SSA) is powered by the use of aflexible thin film solar array. The development of thin film array materials can greatlyenhance the capabilities of the SSA. The array characteristics that will have a significanteffect on the vehicles performance are specific mass (kw/kg), overall efficiency and sub-strate compatibility. If the photovoltaic material can be deposited onto another componentsuch as a thin film battery or the IPMC material itself, the integration of the SSA can begreatly enhanced.

3. Flexible Batteries or Capacitors. To store energy between wing flaps a battery orcapacitor must be used. To integrate these into the aircraft they will need to be light-weight, compact and flexible. Development of a suitable energy storage medium is criti-cal to the SSA's operation.

OTHER TECHNOLOGIES

1. Flapping Wing Aerodynamics. A detailed understanding of the fluid dynamics of flap-ping wing flight is needed to optimize the SSA design and minimize power consumption.

2. IPMC Control Scheme / EM Field Generation. A control scheme for the IPMC materi-al is needed to provide a viable flight vehicle. This control consists of the generation andtailoring of an EM field which in turn induces the motion of the IPMC. The developmentwould consist of the capability to generate a field that is tailored in strength and polarityover the wing area as well as the understanding of what that distribution would need tobe to achieve the correct wing motion.

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ANTIMATTER DRIVEN SAIL FOR DEEP SPACE MISSIONS Dr. Steven D. Howe, Hbar Technologies, LLC


The antimatter sail concept relies on the ability to use antiproton induced fission as apropulsion method. The key technologies therefore to enabling this concept are: 1) pro-duction/formation of sufficient amounts of antihydrogen, 2) formation and storage ofnano-flakes of solid antihydrogen, and 3) development of the Tuned PhotovoltaicConversion (TPC) method of converting fission energy into electricity. The formation ofantihydrogen molecules is the first step to making the storage of flakes feasible. The sus-pension of a charged nano-flake electrostatically will demonstrate the storage concept.Both of these technologies can be demonstrated in the near term using normal-matterprotons. The TPC concept uses fission to induce scintillation in a medium. The wave-length of the scintillation is tuned to the acceptance of a photovoltaic cell for high efficien-cy conversion. The TPC could be demonstrated using radioisotopes and currently avail-able scintillating materials.

OTHER TECHNOLOGIES

Another significant technology is the production and accumulation of antiprotons. Thecurrent production levels need to be greatly increased in order to make sufficient quanti-ties for deep space missions.

GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL MEMS SENSORS (GEMS): A REVOLUTIONARYOBSERVING SYSTEM FOR THE 21ST CENTURYJohn Manobianco, ENSCO Inc.


1. Electronics. The further integration and miniaturization of electronics is a criticalenabler of the GEMS system. Sensing, processing, and storage must all be combined ina robust monolithic design to implement the final GEMS probe.

2. Communications. State of the art communication systems today such as ad-hoc ormesh networks will not likely support the massive number of probes envisioned for theGEMS system. Since scaling limitations exist for these networks, new protocols andhardware must be developed to overcome these difficulties or alternative systems suchas low power point-to-point satellite communications or hybrid ad-hoc/satellite communi-cations must be employed.

3. Materials. The probes must meet specific design criteria in order to maximize the dwelltime in the atmosphere. The probe shell material must be capable of withstanding enor-

47

mous pressures at high altitudes, but also be incredibly light. Carbon nanotube basedpolymers are needed to provide an ultrathin, lightweight, high tensile strength material forthe shell.

OTHER TECHNOLOGIES

1. Power. The current solution for power generation is thin-film solar cell technology. Thetwo primary candidates in this arena are thin-film amorphous silicon cells and nanoparti-cle dye cells. Although, thin-film solar cells are an excellent material for power genera-tion, the probe must also be capable of storing power for night-time operation. Two pos-sible options include thin-film batteries or thin-film capacitors.

ASTRONAUT BIO-SUIT SYSTEM FOR EXPLORATION CLASS MISSIONSDava Newman, Massachusetts Institute of Technology


1. Three-dimensional textile deposition, to enable the formation of anisotropic materialwith specific mechanical properties. Also, the ability to assemble a garment in threedimensions through patterning of fibers and incorporation of other materials (e.g., passiveand active elements). We have determined the initial material property requirements aswell as fiber orientation (March 2005, Bi-Monthly Report): tensile strength > 60 N (13 lbf)and an elastic modulus that is initially high but that approaches zero as the strain sur-passes 30% and the load reaches 30 N. The target operating range for the fiber or fab-ric is at tensile loads of 30 N ±5 N and strains of 50% ±20%. We are continuing our inves-tigation into 'electrospinlacing' technology for this application. 3D material deposition willenable a spacesuit to be exactly custom-fit to its wearer. The ability to give the textilespecified mechanical properties in specific directions will enable a spacesuit to mimic thedeformation of the skin.

2. Shape-changing polymers that provide human-scale force. Often these are called "arti-ficial muscles" and they include dielectric elastomers, electrostrictive polymers, shapememory polymers, and mechano-chemical polymers and gels. These active polymers willenable a mechanical counterpressure spacesuit to apply pressure to the body surfaceafter the suit has been donned and may be activated by body temperature. They will alsoallow for local control of the tension in the spacesuit fabric; our analysis shows a require-ment for 30-70% local contraction or stretch around moving joints to provide constantpressure over different curvatures of the body surface.

3. Information technology, wearable computing, energy, and human power harvestingintegration across the entire EVA system. Integration of the space suit with smart EVAtools via data automation; integration of the space suit and EVA tools with other compo-nents of the EVA system including robotic elements. Lightweight, portable, long-durationsources of power, or the ability to harvest the human body's waste energy to power

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BioSuit and EVA life support systems. Essentially, spacesuits for planetary explorationrequire advancements in battery technology. Longer duration traverses will require moreenergy for the astronauts' life support systems, but the additional energy cannot come byincreasing the on-back mass for the astronaut. The use of electroactive fibers and mate-rials for spacesuit shape control or for biomedical sensing will also require additionalenergy.

OTHER TECHNOLOGIES

1. Distributed sensing for temperature, humidity, chemicals, and mechanical stress.These sensors can monitor life support functions and serve as flexible keyboards (inter-faces) for garments, and they can provide shape control for fabrics.

2. Edema assessment using the Bowman Perfusion Monitor from Hemedex has beencompleted and reported at Aerospace Medical Association (ASMA) Annual Conference,May, 2005 (Treviño, L. and Carr, C.).

ELECTROMAGNETIC FORMATION FLIGHT (EMFF)Raymond Sedwick, Massachusetts Institute of Technology


1. The primary enabling technology for EMFF is high current density, high temperaturesuper conducting wire. The current state of the art is about 13 kA/cm2, which allows it tobe a competitive technology with thruster-based systems. However, the force betweentwo identical spacecraft scales as the square of this current density, for a fixed mass andcoil size, so increases in this density will greatly improve the viability of this technology atgreater distances. The wire being used is a matrix of superconducting material and reg-ular metal, to provide strength and flexibility. The superconducting material has been labtested to an upper limit of 6,000 kA/cm2, so the improvements need only come in themanufacturing process of the wire.

2. A second technology which will allow EMFF to function in Earth orbit is higher efficien-cy cryo-coolers. Current thermal designs appear to require on the order of 10s of Wattsper coil of thermal power removal, translating to 100s of Watts of electrical power inputto cryo-coolers for each coil. This appears to be the driving power requirement for thesystem.

3. The third most critical technology is distributed control algorithms. Unlike thrusterbased systems, movements within an EMFF system must be coordinated between mul-tiple spacecraft simultaneously. This is a very complex control problem, which must besolved to make the technology viable.

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OTHER TECHNOLOGIES

1. One potentially useful technology is high density, high strength, non-conducting mate-rials, from which reaction wheels can be manufactured. Metal wheels, rotating within themagnetic field of EMFF generate eddy currents, which will act as a breaking mechanismon the wheels. Although shielding of the wheels with a high permeability material cansolve this problem, it would be more efficient to add mass to the system that would beuseful in other ways (i.e. angular momentum storage), rather than simply parasitic.

INHERENTLY ADAPTIVE STRUCTURAL SYSTEMSParviz Soroushian, Technova Corporation


1. Our technology relies on the piezoelectric phenomenon to convert the (otherwisedestructive) concentrated mechanical energy to electrical energy in order to guide anddrive (constructive) adaptive effects. The energy conversion efficiency and mechanicalperformance of piezoelectric materials are key to successful development of subjecttechnology. Development of nanostructured piezoelectric materials, with a major frac-tion of their molecules occurring on grain surfaces, promises to yield substantially mag-nified piezoelectric effect and thus greatly increase the rate and extent of self-adapta-tion.

2. Mass transport phenomena which are responsible for adaptive phenomena in ourapproach occur in the context of solid electrolytes. Advances in development of solidelectrolytes for energy storage devices have opened the prospects for greatly enhancingthe ionic conductivity and mechanical performance of solid electrolyte through introduc-tion of nano-scale inclusions in the system. Developments in ion-conducting nanocom-posites can facilitate full development and effective implementation of inherently adap-tive structural systems.

OTHER TECHNOLOGIES

1. Development of functional (piezoelectric and ion-conducting) nanostructured materi-als would depend upon processing techniques which provide nano-scale control over dis-tribution and interfacial interactions. Developments in nanotechnology emphasizing con-trolled processing of nanocomposites and nanostructured materials would thus beamong enabling technologies for our concept.

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CP 03-01 Studies (Performance Period: October 2004 - September 2006)

TAILORED FORCE FIELDS FOR SPACE-BASED CONSTRUCTIONNarayanan M. Komerath, Georgia Institute of Technology


Large-scale direct conversion of solar energy to tunable radio and microwave frequen-cies is a critical technology. We are developing a concept to automatically build massivestructures in space using extraterrestrial materials. We propose to use intense fields inlong-wave radio resonators to generate the forces that move the materials into desiredwall shapes. The system launch mass from Earth for the construction equipment is cur-rently dominated by the mass of the equipment required to convert broadband solar ener-gy to tunable radio wavelengths. Present-day options for such conversion generally gothrough an intermediate direct-current step. Other approaches are aimed at micro-scaleapplications such as cell-phones, where the mass is limited by fabrication and heat-trans-fer considerations. The scale-up to large power levels is not understood.

Technology #1: Electromagnetic Shaping, at all size scales ranging from nano tomacro. What is needed is access to large RF facilities that can generate intensive, con-trolled fields. Technology #2: Robotic sintering of lunar regolith and NEO (Near Earth Object) materi-al. Technology #3: Large tuned conversion devices based on "vacuum" tube technology,where the vacuum of space is used in lieu of a tube.

OTHER TECHNOLOGIES

a. Direct Conversion of sunlight to microwave and/or laser power. Recent Japanese workon Nd-Cr-fiber lasers provides considerable hope that this technology will provide break-throughs in many space power applications. This technology is directly useful for lasercutting tools to extract NEO (Near Earth Object) resources.

b. Power beaming with high efficiency at the sender and the receiver.

BIO-NANO-MACHINES FOR SPACE APPLICATIONSConstantinos Mavroidis, Northeastern University


1. Bio-nano-robotics. The concept of space bio-nano-robotic systems is based on revo-lutionary bio-nano-mechanisms formed by protein and DNA based nano-components.Here we focus on assembling these bio nano components to form complex roboticassemblies having advanced properties, such as, distributive intelligence, programming

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and control. These bio-nano robots would be based on sound design architectures, suchas, modular organization and would have the ability to process information.

2. Network based space sensing for planetary environments. The proposed NIAC con-cept of Networked TerraXplorers (NTXp), is a network of channels containing the bio-nano-robots having the enhanced sensing and signaling capabilities. Using these bio-nano-based robots and utilizing their capabilities of programming and control, we woulddevelop technology to sense the targeted planetary terrain on a very large scale (in orderof miles).

3. Radiation responsive molecular assembly. This technology focuses on developingmolecular structures which would have an ability to interact with the radiation at themolecular level; characterize its intensity based on energy deposition and relate it to therelative biological effectiveness based on the correspondence established throughmolecular structure and other properties. Another feature of such a technology is its inte-gration with the current materials at the molecular scale and its widespread presencethroughout the material structure.

OTHER TECHNOLOGIES

1. Bio-nano-components. This technology would enable us with a library of bio-nano com-ponents having equivalence to the macro robotic components, such as, actuators, joints,sensors etc.

2. Distributive intelligence, programming and control. This technology would give an abil-ity to bio nano-robots to take decisions at nano scale and to store and retrieve informa-tion for many useful tasks, such as, sensing another element or condition. Evolvablehardware is one of the technologies which could be benefited by this.

3. Signaling and information flow. This technology would enable development of conceptswhich would enable the flow of information, its storage and its connection to other bio-nano robotic entities. The signaling of sensed data would be carried out through molec-ular interfaces to the other bio-nano entities and macro-level devices. The biological sig-nals have to be amplified and converted to electrical signals or chemical signals and haveto be processed and stored and this technology would provide us with the same.

4. Dynamics of bio-nano-structures. This technology would enable understanding of keyconcepts involved in the dynamics of molecular structures. Quantitative and qualitativedevelopment of these concepts would help predict the motion, trajectories and otherresponses of bio-nano-robotic entities subjected to various environments.

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DIRECTED AERIAL ROBOTIC EXPLORERS (DARE)Alexey A. Pankine, Global Aerospace Corporation


1. Advanced Balloon Envelope Materials. Advanced balloon envelope materials will bestronger and lighter than existing balloon envelope materials. In the future balloonenvelopes will be made out of composite materials - combining layers of materials withdesired properties. Future balloon envelopes will be strengthened by fabrics made out ofnano-tubes, will be resistant to UV and chemical degradation, and have thermo-opticalproperties that can be varied "on the fly". These lightweight and strong materials willenable large balloon envelopes for exploration of Mars and Outer Planets, will enablelong-duration balloon flights without the need to replenish buoyant gas, and will enableheavier scientific payloads required for comprehensive exploration missions.

2. Lightweight Balloon Guidance and Autonomous Navigation. Balloon guidance technol-ogy would take advantage of lightweight material technology and aerodynamic research.For example, an inflatable system made out of nano-tube fabric could be inflated withambient air. Inflatable wings would harden when exposed to UV radiation or other envi-ronmental agents. A balloon guidance system could enable flight path control so thatplanetary balloons could be directed to scientific targets on the surface or in the atmos-phere of a planet. Navigation sensors and advanced algorithms would determine platformlocation based on observations of the stars and underlying surface features. Autonomousnavigation techniques would chart a course to targets or perform high-priority observa-tions without operator commands from Earth. These technologies would enable targetedand adaptive observation strategies envisioned for exploration of the Solar System plan-ets.

3. Reliable and Robust Entry Descent and Inflation (EDI) Systems. Vehicle entry and theinitial portion of descent will be very similar to other planetary lander missions. Aerialdeployment and inflation of the envelope is desired in order to mitigate the issues asso-ciated with ground inflation, i.e. envelope damage in high winds. EDI systems will be ableto quickly inflate large balloon envelopes during entry into a planetary atmosphere whilemaintaining stability and minimizing deployment shocks experienced by the unfoldingenvelope. For example, EDI could employ cryogenic inflation gas storage to minimize themass of the gas tanks. EDI systems will enable reliable deployment of aerial platforms inthe atmospheres of the planets in the Solar System.

OTHER TECHNOLOGIES

1. Advanced Power Generation and Energy Storage. Advancements in power generationand energy storage are expected to come from development of high-efficiency fuel cellsand thin-film solar arrays, and lightweight photovoltaic devices incorporating QuantumDots technology. These technologies will enable aerial exploration missions in the envi-

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ronments with weak solar power sources. They will also enable the use of power hungryinstruments, such as radars, on aerial platforms.

2. Compact Science Sensors and Lightweight Dropsondes. Small and lightweight scien-tific sensors, such as cameras, spectrometers, in situ sensors and others will expand theexploration capabilities of the balloon platforms. Lightweight dropsondes will enable safedelivery of the science instruments to the targeted surface sites on a planet and enablein situ analysis of samples from an overflying aerial platform.

THE PLASMA MAGNETJohn Slough, University of Washington


A major feature of the plasma magnetic sail is the fact that there has already been ademonstration of the primary technologies in the laboratory at power levels far greaterthan should be necessary in the space based application. One would however like to seethe following developments for space:

1. Better power processing unit. This would include variable frequency (1 to 100 kHz)power supply capable of driving a variable antenna load impedance - one that will bequite low (less than an ohm, typically).

2. Solar wind detection system: It will be critical to be able to gauge the strength anddirection of the solar wind for obvious reasons. This will likely need to be a local meas-urement made by a small satellite of the spacecraft that is positioned outside of the plas-ma magnet.

3. Guidance systems specifically designed for a thrust vector as complex as what isexpected from the solar wind - plasma magnet interaction.

OTHER TECHNOLOGIES

It does not appear at this time that there are any significant technological developmentsneeded, other than those that are mentioned above. The major hurtle for this concepthas little to do with technological feasibility. It is convincing NASA or others to take theeffort and time to understand the underlying principles, and to realize the revolutionaryrepercussion to space travel the plasma magnet would have if successfully developed.

ROBOTIC LUNAR ECOPOIESIS TEST BEDPaul Todd, Space Hardware Optimization Technology (SHOT), Inc.


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1. Pioneer organisms. Planetary ecopoiesis will require living organisms that can with-stand extremes of temperature, pressure and humidity while metabolizing actively, atleast part-time, as photoautotrophs or chemoautotrophs. Cyanobacteria and certaindeep-living autotrophs are candidate pioneer organisms. If they function they can bejoined by heterotrophic consumer pioneer organisms like certain bacilli, which can bringearly metabolic balance to the pioneer ecosystem.

2. Laboratory ecopoiesis test bed. Before research on extraterrestrial bodies can pro-ceed, research in the laboratory under simulated planetary conditions is required. Thisrequirement is being met by a test bed designed for and dedicated to biological testing.In the case of Mars, a daytime temperature of +26 C and a nighttime temperature downto -130 C are required, along with an atmosphere of Martian composition at 10 mbar.Flexibility of parameters and automated control are important, as the effects of theseextremes on pioneer organisms must be taken into account and parameter adjustedaccordingly until the effects of the extremes are understood.

3. Efficient and safe miniaturized simulated planetary environments. Challenging thermalproblems are associated with creating a portable Mars-like environment that can be dis-tributed among many laboratories and classrooms. If 1,000 teachers and students eachstudy 100 cm2 of simulated regolith under simulated planetary conditions, then 10 squaremeters of simulated planetary surface could be "under cultivation" at a time using a vari-ety of organisms and approaches. The technical hurdles are heat rejection during theintensely illuminated daytime and cooling during the intensely frigid planetary (or lunar)night and meeting rigid safety requirements.

OTHER TECHNOLOGIES

1. Access to extraterrestrial venues. The above technologies are considered preparato-ry to research at extraterrestrial venues. All planetary parameters are simulated in theterrestrial test beds except cosmic radiation and gravity. The International Space Station(using centrifuges) and the Moon (using passive thermal control and telemetry) constituteextraterrestrial venues for test-beds where the missing parameters can be included; how-ever, fidelity of other parameters (day-length, atmosphere) would suffer.

2. Novel laboratory information networks. Data synthesis from multiple terrestrial test-beds (and any future extraterrestrial facilities that may emerge) may be required to sumover widely dispersed rare events. Some experiments may take decades. Self-prompt-ing messages and neural networks are only examples of potential technologies that couldbe utilized to create knowledge from sparse data gathered over many venues.

3. Microbial health assessment. Robust remote sensor technologies that report metabo-lites, gas composition and other parameters indicative of living matter will ultimately berequired as research progresses using terrestrial and extraterrestrial test beds.

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CP 05-02 Studies (Performance Period:September 1, 2005 - August 31, 2007)

A DEEP FIELD INFRARED OBSERVATORY NEAR THE LUNAR POLE Roger Angel, University of Arizona


a) Development of a cryogenic liquid of very low vapor pressure and able to accept andhold a mirror-like evaporated surface. Organic ionic liquids seem to be the most promis-ing candidates, and are known to ~ 150K. The science goal would be enhanced by lowertemperature, ideally down to the 77K temperature of the superconducting bearing.

b) Development of a friction-free superconducting bearing and drive system. Technologyfor the bearing itself seems to be reasonably well understood. The rotation speed mustbe controlled by a servo system to <1 part per million, and wobble to a small fraction ofthe diffraction limit, which is 0.1 arcsec for a 20 m telescope operating at 4 microns wave-length

c) Development of mechanical and control elements with 50 year lifetime. A uniqueadvantage of a lunar observatory is a much longer life than the ~ 10 years of free-flyingspacecraft. Technology to minimize radiation damage and optical or mechanical degra-dation is needed to ensure this lunar potential can be exploited.

OTHER TECHNOLOGIES

Other key aspects are not so much technology, and prerequisites for further develop-ment. They are:

d) A first rank science program enabled by the lunar environment. This is essential toensure community support. Such a program is being developed in Phase B, and itexploits the uniquely large aperture and boresighted nature of the telescope for cosmo-logical surveys to unique depth.

e) Infrastructure support. The telescope would not be possible without the LunarExploration program. The specifics aspects of this program that are critical to the tele-scope are being worked out.

f) Site-test precursor lander. Before a polar telescope mission could be finalized, an in-situ site survey is required. The specific measurements of local and atmospheric dustand of soil mechanics are being worked out, to be accomplished by a small polar lander.

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LIVING ORGANISMS FOR BIOREGENERATIVE LIFE SUPPORT DURING LONG-TERM SPACE EXPLORATIONAmy Grunden and Wendy Boss, North Carolina State University


1) Plants that can withstand the environments that will be sustained in extraterrestrialgreenhouses. A bioregenerative life support system that can withstand the extreme envi-ronments of encountered during planetary exploration is essential for long term spaceexploration. Plants can provide food, purify the air and water as well as supply buildingmaterials and pharmaceuticals for human survival; however, terrestrial plants, as weknow them cannot withstand the extreme environments including cosmic radiation, rapidand extreme temperature fluctuations, the lack of water and the low pressure that will beencountered in extraterrestrial greenhouses. There is a need to redesign plants to sur-vive these environmental extremes.

2) Earth-based robotic lunar/Martian test-chambers that accurately simulate the environ-mental conditions on extraterrestrial sites such as the moon and Mars are needed.These test chambers should to be designed to accommodate small plant species thathave been developed for extraterrestrial environments (e.g. micro-tomatoes and themodel system Arabidopsis). The test chambers are essential for evaluating newlyredesigned life forms on Earth prior to their deployment in space.

OTHER TECHNOLOGIES

1) Access to extraterrestrial greenhouses: Redesigned plants need to be tested in plan-etary environments prior to establishing human colonies. Extraterrestrial greenhouseswill need to be established to accommodate test plant species.

2) Develop biosensors to monitor the greenhouse conditions and plants redesigned tosurvive under extreme conditions. Biosensors will be essential to evaluate conditions andto assess plant growth and development, or lack thereof, and to understand the factorscontributing to the success or failure of the mission.

THE NEW WORLDS IMAGERWebster Cash, University of Colorado


1. Traveling SpacecraftFor the starshades to work they must travel thousands of kilometers between target align-ments using a great deal of fuel. High delta-v systems with low mass are needed.

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2. Station-keepingOnce in position, the spacecraft must hold position to a few meters relative to the line ofsight to the celestial sphere. Automated alignment sensing and position correctionschemes are needed.

3. Large, Shaped DeployablesThe Starshades are 30 to 100 meters in diameter. To fit the size and mass constraints oflaunch, they must be made from large, thin sheets. Technologies for deployment to mil-limeter class precision in space are needed.

4. Low Scatter Surfaces and EdgesStarshades must be very dark. Some part of their edges will invariably be in sunlight.Techniques for minimizing diffraction and scatter on the edges of the deployable sheetsneed development.

OTHER TECHNOLOGIES

1. Precision Formation FlyingStarshades can make exoplanets visible to telescopes. If the telescopes are held in aninterferometric array, then actual photographs of Earth-like planets can be captured. Thiswill involve developing precision formation flying of the telescopes over hundreds of kilo-meters of space.

2. Low Noise InterferometersLow noise detectors and efficient beam combiners can improve the performance of thesystem and lower the cost.

3. Large Deployable TelescopesObservations of exoplanets can be greatly enhanced by large, diffraction-limited tele-scopes operating in the visible band. Practical telescopes of 10m diameter involvedeployable main mirrors.

MICROBOTS FOR LARGE-SCALE PLANETARY SURFACE AND SUBSURFACEEXPLORATIONSteven Dubowsky, Massachusetts Institute of Technology


a. The development of micro fuel cells (mm scale). Power for small robotic systems, forwhich solar cells are not feasible, such as in our concept, is critical. An environment withhigh efficiency cell technology working temperatures compatible with sensors, electron-ics would have a major positive impact on a wide range of systems.

b. The development of low weight high capacity hydrogen and oxygen storage elements.These are essential to the fuel cell concept.

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c. The development of high performance very light weight actuators. Again, this technol-ogy is currently a key road block to future space robotic systems. This aspect is a majorfocus of our work.

OTHER TECHNOLOGIES

a. The development of micro-sensors for planetary exploration. The development of sen-sors that are very small, low power and robust are essential for our microbots.

b. Algorithms for group behaviors for teams of planetary robotics systems where the indi-vidual team members have limited capabilities. Our microbots would need these algo-rithms to optimally explore large areas with limited mobility and sensor ranges.

c. New non-line of sight communication technology. This would help our subsurfacecommunication between our microbots when they function in planetary caves.

INVESTIGATION OF THE FEASIBILITY OF LASER TRAPPED MIRRORS IN SPACEElizabeth McCormack, Bryn Mawr College


1) Nanotechnology suitable to producing the ~1018 particles required for an orbiting lasertrapped mirror. Optimal particle size will be in the range 0.1 - 1.0 micron. Particles needto be highly uniform in size, shape and reflectivity. Particles may have complex shapesand different optical properties at the trapping and observing wavelengths (which, in gen-eral, will not be the same). We are also interested in nano-structures that might dissipa-tively damp relative motion of the trapped particles and "whiskers" to facilitate chargeneutralization.

2) Extremely stable, long-lived, high-power lasers suitable for continuous use on orbit forperiods of 3 to 5 years. A hypothetical ideal laser would have variable wavelength andvariable bandwidth to permit our collapsing the particles to the central fringe sheet.

3) Improved sunshield technology affording both passive cooling of the mirror surface (to<30 K at L2) and a very high level of protection from both solar outflow and magneticfields. The strength of the trapping field (directly related to our laser and electrical powerrequirements) will be functions of mirror temperature, the degree to which the mirror par-ticles become charged and the magnitude and variability of magnetic fields.

OTHER TECHNOLOGIES

1) Technology for neutralizing accumulated charge on the delicate grid of particles com-prising the trapped mirror surface.

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2) Orbital energy management, communication, station-keeping, etc. infrastructure togive us a range of innovative orbit options. We will be seeking orbits (out-of-plane?) thatminimize zodiacal heating, in order to achieve a mirror temperature as close as possibleto the theoretical limit of 3 K, while still remaining close enough to the Sun to meet laserpower requirements.

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APPENDIX B

CP05-02 Awardees A Deep Field Infrared Observatory Near the Lunar Pole Roger Angel, University of Arizona

This proposal is to explore the feasibility and scientific potential of astro-nomical telescopes made with 20 – 100 m liquid primary mirrors at theSouth Pole of the Moon. Such telescopes, equipped with imaging andmultiplexed spectroscopic instruments for a deep infrared survey, wouldbe revolutionary in their power to study the distant universe, includingthe formation of the first stars and their assembly into galaxies. Already

at 20 m diameter, the resolution would be 3 times higher than the James Webb Space Telescope(JWST), and, by integrating for a year, objects 100 times fainter could be reached. Liquid mirrortechnology is ideally suited for this application, requiring only a gravitational field and uniformrotation to maintain exquisitely accurate surface figure over very large aperture. It’s far simplerthat the conventional alternative, a mirror made from solid surface segments, requiring mechan-ical and optical alignment maintained to 30 nm tolerance. On Earth, liquid mirrors are limited to~ 6 m size by wind and are subject to atmospheric absorption and distortion. The Moon, though,provides the required gravity field with no such limitations. At the poles, the zenithpointing mir-ror sees the same extragalactic field of view at all times, allowing very deep imaging and spec-troscopy by integration for years on the same region. Simple radiation shielding can be used tocool the instrument for high infrared sensitivity, and solar power is available continuously.

The goals of this study are to understand better the scientific potential, to explore the “tall tentpoles” that must be overcome to make such a telescope practical, and to explore the value ofhuman presence for erecting the telescope and for occasional instrument upgrades. This studywill thus be of value in developing scientific exploration goals for NASA’s planned return to theMoon.

Redesigning Living Organism to Survive on Mars Wendy Boss and Amy Grunden, North Carolina State University

Providing life support for human exploration is a major challenge as weventure to Mars and beyond. Our hypothesis is that we can revolutionizelife forms by selectively expressing in plants extremophile genes that willcollectively enable functional life in inhospitable environments. For ourphase I proposal, we demonstrated for the first time that an archaeal gene,superoxide reductase from Pyrococcusfuriosus, could be transcribed andtranslated in a model eukaryotic system to produce a functional enzymewhich retained the properties of the original archaeal protein. In our phase

II proposal, we will extend our studies to the whole plant and will include a suite of genes fromthe P. furiosus reactive oxygen species (ROS) detoxification pathway that together will conferresistance to oxidative stress. Furthermore, we will increase reduced glutathione by introducingthe glutathione reductase (GR) gene from a psychrophilic extremophile Colwelliapsychrery-thraeain order to address a major problem facing Earth based organisms on Mars, stabilizing

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protein structure during the rapid changes in temperature that will be encountered even inenclosed environmental chambers. We will cross plants producing the heat stable ROS and coldfunctional GR enzymes to generate a hybrid plant tolerant of extreme environments, includingcold, drought, heat and radiation. After each T4 generation transgenic plant has been produced,the plants will be distributed to NASA-funded labs for more complete physiological testing inspace environments. In addition, we will work with investigators to introduce the genes intobreeding programs to revolutionize breeding programs for crops to be grown in space. Finally,our road map includes working with an honors undergraduate class to investigate the use ofnovel genetic approaches to generate plants resistant to radiation damage to DNA.

The New Worlds ImagerWebster Cash, University of Colorado at Boulder

We propose a two year, Phase II study of the New Worlds Imager con-cept. In Phase I we showed how the concept of a starshade has thepotential to make studies of planets around other stars routine, withouttechnical heroics. The starshade is a large, deployable sheet on a sep-arate spacecraft that is flown into position along the line of sight to anearby star. We showed in Phase I how a starshade could be designedand built in a practical and affordable manner to fully remove starlight

and leave only planet light entering a telescope. The simulations are very exciting, showing wecan detect planetary system features as fine as comets, perform spectroscopy to look for waterand life signs, and perform photometry to search for oceans, continents, clouds and polar caps.We also show how a true Planet Imager can be made from two starshade apertures and a fifthspacecraft carrying an interferometer. In Phase I we showed through simulation that features asfine as 100km across can be detected and mapped from 30 light years with this New WorldsImager.We propose to continue the study of the New Worlds concept into Phase II. We will fullydefine the approaches to building starshades and telescopes. This will include identification ofmaterials, deployment methods, target acquisition techniques, thrusters for holding spacecraftalignment, available launch vehicles and ideal orbits. The study will also include a laboratorydemonstration of high contrast using a shaped pupil. We expect to solve all the remaining prob-lems and publish our results. We will continue the studies into a full road map to the New WorldsImager.

Microbots for Large-Scale Planetary Surface and Subsurface Exploration Steven Dubowsky, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

This proposal presents a new robotic planetary exploration conceptbased on the deployment of a large number of small spherical mobilerobots (microbots) over vast areas of a planet’s surface and subsur-face, including structures such as caves and near surface crevasses(see Figure 1). This strategic exploration architecture can enableextremely large scale, in situ analysis of scientifically interesting prop-erties thus enabling a new paradigm for Solar Systemwide explo-ration, mapping, and scientific study. This approach represents an

important alternative or augmentation to current rover and lander-based planetary exploration,which is limited to studying small areas of a planet’s surface at a small number of sites. The pro-posed approach is also distinct from balloon or aerial missions, because it allows in situ, directcontact measurements. Once developed, such units can be custom tailored to specific mission

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targets with minimal additional cost. In the proposed mission concept, a large number (i.e. hun-dreds or thousands) of 10 cmscale, subkilogram microbots would be widely distributed by orbitalcraft, from aerial platforms, from a lander, or even by lunar or Mars astronauts. The microbotsemploy hopping, bouncing, and rolling as a locomotion mode to reach scientifically interestingfeatures in very rugged terrain. The units will be powered by high energy density polymer mus-cle actuators, and equipped with a suite of miniaturized instruments selected for each specificmission, e.g., imagers, spectrometers, or chemical detection sensors. Multiple microbots willshare information and cooperatively analyze large portions of a planet’s surface or subsurface.Numerous units allow for considerable mortality without jeopardizing the mission. In this pro-posed Phase II study, a detailed microbot mission scenario will be developed for a planetary ref-erence mission suite. Enabling technologies for actuation, power, sensing, and communicationwill be surveyed. Fundamental research on muscle actuators and microbot mobility mecha-nisms, and efficient coordination algorithms will be developed. A small number of prototypes willbe produced and tested in field conditions in New Mexico. Work will be conducted by a multi-uni-versity team of engineers and scientists at MIT, New Mexico Institute of Mining & Technology,and Stanford.

Investigation of the Feasibility of Laser Trapped Mirrors in Space Elizabeth McCormack, Bryn Mawr College

The Laser Trapped Mirror (LTM) was first proposed by Antoine Labeyrie [1]as an innovative way of producing large lightweight optics in space.Labeyrie suggested using laser light to structure standing wave fringe sur-faces in the space between counterpropagating laser beams. With appro-priate optics, these fringe surfaces might have the shape of a family of par-abolic sheets and the same principles that underlie optical traps (opticaltweezers, for example), could, in principle, permit trapping of atoms, mol-ecules or larger particles along the standing-wave (fringe) maxima. Tuning

the laser wavelength in single mode from red to blue in successive saw-tooth steps would per-mit collection of the trapped particles into a single parabolic sheet, the zero fringe. The result ofthis process is a reflective parabolic surface, of almost arbitrary size, which could serve as theprimary of a large telescope. A 100-nm thick, 35-meter diameter mirror would require less than100 grams of material. Development of low mass, large optics is important to many areas ofspace research, but it is of particular interest to astronomers, especially those concerned withdetection of extra-solar terrestrial planets. Here, we propose a combined laboratory and analyt-ical/modeling investigation of the properties of a Laser Trapped Mirror with the aim of determin-ing whether the LTM is a practical solution to the problem of building large, low mass optical sys-tems in space. Specifically, in this phase 2 effort our goals are to:1) demonstrate and character-ize mirror behavior for the case of a small LTM, performing the trapping in liquid, 2) develop andexercise the algorithms and modeling tools required to understand LTMs, 3) combine laborato-ry measurements with a plausible particle design and trapping model to produce estimates ofmirror stability and laser power requirements in a vacuum environment, and, 4) assure ourselvesthat the space particle and fields environment is not prohibitively severe.

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APPENDIX C

CP06-01 Awardees Development of a Single-Fluid Consumable Infrastructure for Life Support, Power,Propulsion, and Thermal ControlDavid Akin, Space Systems Laboratory, University of Maryland

This proposal describes the concept of a highly innovative architecture of interrelated systemsincluding portable life support systems for EVA suits, power supplies for rovers and robots,propulsion for in-space maneuvering and local surface ballistic hops, and thermal control sys-tems, all based on the use of a single high-density room-temperature liquid consumable: anaqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). In this concept, the catalytic dissociation ofH2O2 into water and oxygen provides electrical energy; the oxygen is used in life support sys-tems for breathing, and the water for sublimation cooling in deep space and on the lunar sur-face. Due to the atmosphere and colder temperatures on Mars, the waste heat from the H2O2dissociation can be utilized to provide selective warming of the space suit or robot components.Expansion potentials for this system are discussed, including the use of waste heat to regener-ate metal oxide-based CO2 scrubbers or to heat an EVA suit in extreme conditions such as thelunar poles, external supply of H2O2 from a rover vehicle for extended EVA surface operations,and the provision of an integrated hot-gas H2O2 propulsion system for in-space activities orshort ballistic transports on the surface of the moon or Mars. Due to the complex and life-criticalnature of the life support function, the focus of the proposed Phase I investigation will be thedetailed design and analysis of a hydrogen peroxide portable life support system (HyperPLSS)system for EVA suits, in parallel with the design of synergistic applications of the H2O2 technol-ogy in surface rovers, propulsion systems, and thermal control systems. Phase 2 will focus onthe breadboard development of a single-fluid H2O2 PLSS system, and testing of the systemagainst the analysis tools.

Practicality of a Solar Shield in Space to Counter Global WarmingRoger Angel, Steward Observatory, University of Arizona

A solar shield 2000 km diameter at L1 woulddeflect enough sunlight to counteract globalwarming. Such a space-based solution mightbecome an urgent priority, worth trillions of dol-lars if abrupt climate failures appear otherwiseinevitable. We propose to identify near-termresearch and space missions needed to under-

stand whether a shield could be completed within a few decades at an affordable cost. New opti-cal strategies and concepts for deployment as a cluster of free-flying units will be developed, tominimize mass. In this way launch from Earth may be affordable, using advanced, high-volumemethods with high energy efficiency.

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Self-Deployed Space or Planetary Habitats and Extremely Large StructuresDevon Crowe, Physical Sciences, Inc.

We propose an approach for constructing compact payloadswith low mass that can erect very large and strong structures.This technology would enable payloads small enough to launchthat can become self-contained orbital habitats, large buildingson planetary surfaces, or other large structures that require sig-nificant strength. Our approach uses inflated bubble structuresand suspended films which are then made rigid. The mass den-sity of the deployed structures is far below previous technolo-gies such as inflated balloons.

Primary Objective Grating Astronomical Telescope Tom Ditto, DeWitt Brothers Tool Company

We propose a new architecture for astronomicaltelescopy with objective gratings. Unlike a slitlessobjective grating telescope, we include a slit and aspectrometer in a secondary that is configured atgrazing exodus. Resulting anamorphic magnifica-tion produces a ribbon shaped aperture that canachieve kilometer scale along one axis. The tele-scope could disperse light from all objects within a1° x 40° field-of-view with sub-Ångstrom resolving

power and milliarcsecond spatial resolution across the wider angle. Taking advantage of theearth’s rotation, a ground-based version can make observations with no moving parts. The sec-ondary spectrometer uses a novel data reduction algorithm that can assemble millions of spec-trograms simultaneously. To defeat wind pressure, the primary can be seated flatly on groundlevel with the secondary sheltered below ground. Lunar observatory deployment and operationare simplified, because the flat primary is lightweight, and as a staring instrument it has no mov-ing parts. In space deployment, the thin primary lends itself to construction from flat gossamermembranes. The science drivers are broad - spanning most astronomical observational arenas,but in terms of NASA’s road map this new telescope could be a life planet finder. In terms ofNASA’s core service programs, special features of this design could be exploited to survey formillions of small objects in near earth orbit.

Reduction of Trapped Energetic Particle Fluxes in Earth and Jovian Radiation BeltsRobert Hoyt, Tethers Unlimited, Inc.

The energetic radiation particles trapped by thestrong magnetic fields of the Earth, Jupiter, andother planets present a tremendous challenge forhuman and robotic exploration and developmentof space. These energetic particles cause biolog-ical damage in humans and constant degradationin electronics and other materials used in space-

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craft. The current methods for dealing with the orbital radiation environment are to limit long-duration manned missions to low-altitude orbits below the intense regions of the Van Allen belts,to protect orbital facilities with heavy shielding materials, to minimize the duration of extravehic-ular activities of personnel outside the shielding of orbital facilities, and to utilize heavy, expen-sive, and low-performance electronics and other components in spacecraft systems. Thesemeasures, however, are insufficient to ensure the safety and performance of human and robot-ic components of a sustained program of exploration and development of space. The proposedeffort will evaluate the feasibility of actively reducing the fluxes of energetic particles trapped bythe magnetic fields of Earth and Jupiter utilizing high voltage orbiting structures. Recent analy-ses of scattering of energetic electrons by highvoltage structures have indicated that a techni-cally and economically feasible system could rapidly reduce particle fluxes in man-made radia-tion belts. This project will investigate application of this concept to elimination of the naturally-occurring Van Allen belts. Remediation of the Van Allen belts could dramatically reduce the risksand costs associated with long-duration manned missions in Earth and Jovian space.Additionally, by reducing the rate of degradation of solar panels and electronics in these regions,it could significantly improve the performance and economic viability of systems such as solar-electric propulsion tugs for lunar missions and solar power satellites. The proposed effort willdevelop system concepts for Earth and Jovian radiation belt remediation, investigate the poten-tial environmental effects of such an effort to reduce the natural radiation belts, and developstrategies and designs for validating the concept feasibility through experimentation and simula-tion.

In-Orbit Assembly of Modular Space Systems with Non-Contacting, Flux-PinnedInterfaces Mason Peck, Cornell University College of Engineering

The familiar forces that act between objects at a distance--the Coulomb force, magnetism, and gravity--vary with theinverse square of the distance between objects (i.e. thepotential energy varies with the inverse of distance).Technological applications of these forces are limited byEarnshaw’s Theorem, which states that no combination ofsuch forces can result in stable separation of objects in allsix degrees of freedom. Active control is typically required,

as in the case of magnetic bearings. One way around Earnshaw’s theorem is to take advantageof the surprising physics of high-temperature flux-pinning superconductors. These materialsresist being moved within magnetic fields, resulting in stable relative orientation and position ofsome number of bodies at finite distances. Furthermore, they do so without power and with noneed for active feedback control. The proposed study will evaluate the viability of assemblingspace structures ranging from small spacecraft to large manned space stations from compo-nents that are held in place by flux pinning. This general approach to conjoining mechanical partswithout mechanical connection offers the promise of revolutionizing in-orbit construction. Theproposed non-contacting interface not only solves a host of technological issues, it also opensup a new way of thinking about modular spacecraft. No longer are we required to distinguishamong spacecraft subsystems, individual spacecraft, and constellations of spacecraft. Instead,the proposed concept blurs the distinction between modular spacecraft and formation flying,between spacecraft bus and payload, and to some extent between empty space and solid mat-ter. Articulated payloads, reconfigurable space stations, and adaptable satellite architectures arepossible without the mass and power typically associated with maintaining relative position and

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mechanically rebuilding structures. In 2004-2005 we demonstrated the basic principle; on inter-nal funding, we creating some modular building blocks and showed that they can find each otherwithout active control and remain fixed in rotational and translational degrees of freedom at dis-tances on the order of centimeters. The proposed NIAC Phase I study will base its considera-tion of possible space-system architectures on this recent result and will proceed through thedefinition of major issues of feasibility. The primary issues include defining the basin of attractionof these modules and what can be achieved if the technology is advanced, how much mechan-ical stiffness is appropriate and available, and how the superconductors may be kept below theirtransition temperature in the space environment.

Large Ultra-Lightweight Photonic Muscle TelescopeJoe Ritter, University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy

Missions such as Terrestrial Planet Imager requirelightweight mirrors with minimum diameters of 20 to40 meters. Unprecedented advances in nanoengi-neered-materials have recently produced a laseractuated material with controllable reversible bi-directional bending. These Photonic Muscle sub-strates finally make precision control of giant aper-tures possible. Membrane mirror shape and dynam-ics can now be precisely controlled with low power

light. This enables innovative missions for imaging the cosmos, resolving spectral and spatialdetails of exosolar planets and searching for life, including evidence of Earth’s Origins, whilesubstantially reducing mass, launch and fabrication costs. Missions like TPI will now be feasible.

Bio-Electric Space ExplorationMatthew Silver, Intact Labs, LLC

The need for electrical power drives almost every aspect of spaceexploration missions, severely impacting location, duration, and scien-tific return. Existing power generating technologies for exploration arebased on solar, nuclear, or low-efficiency chemical sources. However,myriad biological processes on Earth generate electricity at ultra-highlevels of efficiency with power-to weight ratios that would be unimag-inable with current space technology. Batteries and power generationtechnologies based on scaled biological processes hold the potentialto create a paradigm shift in human and robotic space exploration,affecting everything from space suit design to remote base design to

the design of space-craft and robotic probes. For example, proteins such as Prestin in the innerear, or Mechano-sensitive ion channels found in almost all living organisms, translate nanome-ter movements into milli-volts of electricity. Scaling such ultra-sensitive piezo-electric mecha-nisms opens the door to space suits or bases covered in electricity-generating Power Skins,charged by the Martian winds or the movement of astronauts through the Martian air. In a differ-ent direction, microorganisms such as Rhodoferax have been shown to convert Glucose orwaste into electric potential, leading to the possibility for microbial fuel cells. One can imaginemodifying such bacteria for integration in Electric Greenhouses that produce electricity and food

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while treating waste on space vehicles or exploration bases. Development of these ideas entailsworking at the intersection of synthetic biology, space systems design, space operations, andelectrical engineering. For Phase I we will catalogue myriad potential bio-electrical processesand space applications, down-select promising candidates, create a customized bio-sensorusing known methods to measure electric-generation potential and begin initial testing of candi-date solutions. Phase II would then focus more directly on a few specific organisms and appli-cations with highest potential, resulting in more detailed wet-laboratory work extracting, testing,and scaling such processes, as well as detailed conceptual designs and computer models ofspace systems architectures based on such methods.

Plasma Magnetic Shield for Crew ProtectionJohn Slough, University of Washington

Exposure to the energetic particles associated with solar energetic par-ticle events and galactic cosmic rays are known radiation hazards forhuman exploration. Material shielding and superconducting solutionsadd substantial mass to spacecraft and provide shielding over very lim-ited areas. It is proposed here to provide the shielding by making useof ambient low density plasma ejected from the spacecraft that sup-ports the large scale currents required to provide sufficient magneticflux to deflect the energetic particles. Based on laboratory results, sucha closed magnetic configuration can be produced by force-free currentsand is referred to as the plasma magnetic shield.

Extreme eXPeditionary Architecture (EXP-Arch): Mobile, Adaptable Systems for Spaceand Earth ExplorationGuillermo Trotti, Trotti & Associates, Inc.

The Extreme eXPeditionary Architecture (EXP–Arch) pro-poses self-mobilized, transformable systems that interre-late in ways never before envisioned. EXP–Arch combinesrobotic systems, deployable lightweight structures, intelli-gent materials, and mathematical origami techniques torevolutionize human and machine exploration. A paradigm

shift for exploration is proposed by creating an architecture, or suite of systems, based on high-ly mobile, quickly deployable and retractable systems. EXP–Arch is an adaptive explorationarchitecture for extreme environments (space and earth inaccessible locations) utilizing multi-functional, inflatable, and transforming system components. EXP–Arch attempts to better under-stand human-robotic synergies during exploration, and offers an educational initiative entitled,‘Virtual EXP–Arch’, for students.

Spacecraft Propulsion Utilizing Ponderomotive Forces George Williams, Ohio Aerospace Institute

A new spacecraft propulsion scheme is proposed which leverages advances in high-energy par-ticle acceleration via laser-plasma interactions. Ponderomotive forces associated with laserwakefields have demonstrated the potential to accelerate electrons to near-relativistic energies.

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Different schemes will be investigated which may generatequasi-steady fields for deep-space and manned space mis-sions. Ponderomotive propulsion could revolutionize spacetravel by providing very high thrust at very high specificimpulses.

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APPENDIX D

CP06-02 Awardees A Contamination-Free Ultrahigh Precision Formation Flight Method Based on IntracavityPhoton Thrusters and Tethers: Photon Tether Formation FlightYoung Bae, Bae Institute

We proposed a revolutionary nano-meter accuracy formation flightmethod with photon thrusters and tethers, Photon TetherFormation Flight (PTFF), with the maximum baseline distance over10 km for next generation NASA space missions. PTFF is inflatedby trapped photons between spacecraft mirrors, and stabilized bytethers, thus it is contamination-free and highly power efficient, andprovides ample mass savings. In addition, PTFF is predicted to beable to provide an unprecedented angular scanning accuracy of0.1 micro-arcsec, and the retargeting slewing accuracy better than

1 micro-arcsec for a 1 km baseline formation. These quantum-leaping capabilities of PTFF arepredicted to enable emerging revolutionary mission concepts, such as New World ImagerFreeway Mission proposed by Prof. Cash, which searches for advanced civilization in exoplan-ets and Fourier Transform X-Ray Spectrometer proposed by Dr. Schnopper, in addition toredefining and simplifying the existing NASA mission concepts, such as SPECS and MAXIM. Asthe present concept is more publicized, many other exciting concepts are predicted to follow.One of such possible NASA missions would be the construction of ultralarge adaptive membranespace telescope with diameters up to several km for observing and monitoring space and earth-bound activities. The conclusion of our Phase I study is that the implementation of the proposedmethod in the foreseeable future is well within reach of the present technologies. Therefore, weare confident that the proposed PTFF needs thorough continued study that will establish a reli-able technical path to the launch of an exciting new class of NASA space mission. During thisNIAC Phase II, we plan to build and demonstrate a prototype PTFF engine, address the engi-neering issues of key problems, and continue its full development for adapting PTFF for a widerange of NASA space missions in the near future with the help of several expert consultants.

Extraction of Antiparticles Concentrated in Planetary Magnetic Fields Jim Bickford, Draper Laboratory, Inc.

Small quantities of antimatter have enormous potential in a vari-ety of space, medical, and sensing applications. However, suchsystems have not yet been realized due to the inherent limita-tions associated with current antimatter production and storagetechniques. The present method of extracting sub-atomic colli-sion debris from high energy particle accelerators is prohibitive-ly expensive and generates only minimal quantities of antipro-tons. In comparison, high energy cosmic rays bombard theupper atmosphere and material in the interstellar medium to

copiously produce antiparticles naturally. We propose to extend our Phase I study to address therealistic feasibility of natural antiparticle ‘mining’ for space applications. As described in our

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Phase 1 report, a fraction of the naturally generated antiprotons are concentrated around plan-ets with magnetic fields. These antiparticles can be captured and stored in a man-made mini-magnetosphere surrounding a spacecraft and used to fuel an extremely high energy propulsionsystem, potentially enabling very fast missions to deep space (one year to Jupiter, and similarlyfast trips beyond the heliopause [100+ AU] and beyond). While the initial study showed thatantiparticles are a naturally occurring space phenomena in quantities sufficient to be of interest,the primary focus of our proposed two year study will be to do a detailed quantitative assess-ment of the mass of particles that could be collected, create comprehensive models of harvestsystems, and conduct laboratory experiments to demonstrate these systems. The primary out-puts of the study will include resolving the question of whether the natural supply is sufficient tojustify development of mining tools, and will create a set of requirements and specifications forthe design of the collection and storage device. In addition, we will develop a roadmap laying outkey technology advancements that will be required to enable this capability, as well as a time-line for achieving those advancements.

Scalable Flat-Panel Nanoparticle MEMS/NEMS Propulsion Technology for SpaceExploration in the 21st Century Brian Gilchrist, University of Michigan

We have proposed and studied in Phase I a completely new style of chargedparticle space propulsion technology that uses nanoparticles and micro- andnano-electromechanical systems (MEMS/NEMS) technology. MEMS tech-nologies are already being explored as a possible approach to achieve scal-ability and system simplification. Our Phase 1 results, which include scaledparticle extraction experiments and modeling, have shown that the potentialbenefits we suggested in proposing Phase 1 were actually conservative!Specifically, we were able to determine that we can use nanoparticle fieldemission (extraction and acceleration) exclusively to cover an even broaderrange of performance than first thought (e.g., specific impulse covering 100to 10,000 seconds). We believe the advantages include (1) operations athigh power levels at substantially lower system level specific mass (kg/kW);(2) higher efficiency; (3) an order of magnitude increase in thrust densitiesover present-day ion propulsion technologies; (4) substantially simpler propulsion sub-systemintegration requirements on a spacecraft using “flat-panel” nanoparticle thrusters; and (5) sub-stantial improvement in lifetime over state-of-the-art ion propulsion technology. We have alsolearned that (a) an operational range can be defined where particles can be extracted from a liq-uid surface and accelerated while avoiding the formation of efficiency-degrading Taylor cones;(b) low vapor pressure liquids can be used under high electric field conditions; and (c) there isalready important research on-going with microfluidic transport of nanoparticles we can takeadvantage of in Phase 2. Our refined vision after Phase 1 is that in 10- 20 years, modern elec-tric propulsion systems will be heavily leveraging nanoparticle and MEMS/NEMS technologiesto address everything from the movement of propellant using micropumps, integrated microsen-sors for performance improvement (e.g., health monitoring), and high levels of scalability andsystem robustness.

Lorentz-Actuated Orbits: Electrodynamic Propulsion Without a Tether Mason Peck, Cornell University

The NIAC Phase II investigation proposed here evaluates the feasibility of using the Lorentz

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force as a revolutionary means of accelerating a spacecraft.This force acts on a charged particle moving in a magneticfield, as in the case of a satellite carrying a biased electricalcharge and orbiting within a planetary or stellar magnetos-phere. This propellantless propulsion technique may representthe last area of classical physics that has not yet been consid-ered for spaceflight dynamics. A spacecraft mission whosearchitecture is based on the Lorentz-Actuated Orbit benefits

from propellantless, non-Keplerian orbits: for example, • Orbit planes that precess synchronous-ly with the planet’s rotation, but at lower altitudes than the classical geostationary solution • Earthand solar escape (elliptical to hyperbolic orbits) and planetary capture (hyperbolic to elliptical) •Swarms of spacecraft that hover in non-Keplerian orbits, such as a formation of radially posi-tioned vehicles with constant angular velocity at different altitudes • Rendezvous along the veloc-ity direction, with no need for orbit raising and lowering • Orbits whose lines of apsides rotatesynchronously with the planet, its moon, or the sun, offering continuous lunar free-return trajec-tories and lunar resupply possibilities • Low-earth orbits that experience neither cumulativeatmospheric drag nor J2 perturbations.

We propose to build upon our successful Phase I study, which mapped out the heretofore unex-plored, coupled dynamics of familiar celestial mechanics and cyclotron-style motion of a chargedparticle in a magnetic field and discovered a number of new system architectures for space trav-el. That project identified areas of technology advancement required for this system to be feasi-ble and compared this concept to existing methods of propulsion in terms of key metrics: mass,power, cost, time of flight, and risk. The Phase II effort will focus on the feasibility issues by eval-uating these low-TRL technologies to a point where Lorentz-actuated orbits can be consideredfor a future NASA mission. Our goals are the following: • Develop and exercise the algorithmsand modeling tools required to understand spacecraft capable of experiencing a Lorentz-Actuated Orbit, including NASCAP and other in-house developed software for evaluating thecoupled behaviors of spaceborneplasma charging and orbit dynamics. • Identify the lowest-riskcharge-storage subsystem (i.e. capacitor) from among the technologies identified in the PhaseI effort and detail its performance in the space environment, with an emphasis on plasma inter-actions. • Demonstrate and characterize the self-capacitance for the case of a scaled test in arepresentative plasma environment. • Identify the lowest-risk charge-maintenance subsystem(i.e. charged-particle source and related components) from among the technologies identified inthe Phase I effort and detail its performance in the space environment, with an emphasis on plas-ma interactions • Devise a promising, candidate mission architecture in an effort to identify andtie up loose ends that would otherwise represent unacceptable risk to a NASA application.

An Architecture of Modular Spacecraft with Integrated Structural ElectrodynamicPropulsion (ISEP) Nestor Voronka, Tethers Unlimited, Inc.

NASA’s Vision for Space Exploration (VSE) relies on numerous systems of systems to supporta return of robotic and human explorers to the Moon in preparation for human exploration ofMars. Establishing a sustainable and continuous manned presence on the Moon, Mars, anddeep space will require a very large total mass of material to be either launched from Earth, orobtained from the moon or asteroids and delivered for use in structural, propulsion, and shield-ing applications. Moving this material in near-Earth and cislunar space using traditional rocket-based propulsion requires propellant masses that represent a large fraction of the total required

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launch mass, and thus cost, of the exploration architecture. The Phase I effortestablished the feasibility of an innovative multifunctional propulsion-and-structure system concept, called Integrated Structural ElectrodynamicPropulsion (ISEP), which uses current-carrying booms deployed from aspacecraft to generate thrust with little propellant expenditure. ISEP utilizesmethods conceptually similar to electrodynamic tethers with the added bene-fit of providing a capability for generating thrust in almost any direction as wellas for providing torques for spacecraft attitude control. This modular integrat-ed propulsion architecture will facilitate self assembly of large space systems,and enable propulsion and attitude control of an assembled system duringand after such assembly. During the Phase II effort, we propose to further refine the ISEP tech-nology, and design an ISEP system for a mission of interest to NASA’s VSE. As part of a devel-opment and risk mitigation program, TUI will design, build and launch a nanosatellite experimentthat will demonstrate both the ISEP concept as well as propellantless current closure using fieldemissive array cathodes. This simple flight experiment will demonstrate the feasibility of usingthe ISEP architecture to reduce costs and enhance capabili-ties of NASA’s Exploration Systems,Space Operations and Science Mission directorates.

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APPENDIX E

Inspiration and Outreach Contacts2005:

Invited Seminar To The GSFC NASA AcademyJuly 13: Bob Cassanova and Diana Jennings gave an invited seminar to the GSFC NASAAcademy. The students received an overview of NIAC as well as newly-available NIAC lapel pins.

Attended Massachusetts Institute of Technology Bio-Suit WorkshopAugust 19: Diana Jennings attended the MIT Bio-Suit Workshop. The workshop was organizedand hosted by NIAC Fellow Dava Newman.

Presentation to Director of the DARPA Systems Program Office & Virtual SpaceOrganizationSeptember 21: Ron Turner gave a presentation about NIAC to Joe Guerci, the new Director ofthe DARPA Systems Program Office. Joe Guerci is also a leader of the ad hoc DARPA VirtualSpace Organization, which is a means to exchange space-related activities within the variousDARPA organizations. Dr. Turner discussed opportunities for NIAC and DARPA to work closertogether, including DARPA attendance at the upcoming annual meeting and attendance at futurePhase II site visits. As a result of this meeting, Joe Guerci has requested a meeting with BobCassanova. Mike Obal, DARPA, has signed up to attend the NIAC annual meeting.

Radio Broadcast - MIT Enterprise Forum of Georgia at Georgia Public BroadcastingSeptember 22: "The Power Of Revolutionary Thinking: What Today's Scientists Can Teach YouAbout Driving Innovation In Your Organization" featured talks by Bob Cassanova and NIACFellows Penny Boston, Dava Newman and Bradley Edwards. The program emanated from thestudios of Georgia Public Broadcasting in Atlanta and was hosted by the MIT Enterprise Forumof Atlanta. This program was simultaneously broadcast on NASA TV and on approximately 40websites worldwide. Questions from the national audience were handled live by the invitedspeakers. Additionally, ten Atlanta school students, winners of an essay contest on revolutionarythinking, were honored by the studio audience. Approximately 170 people were in the studio audi-ence. NIAC has a link of the video files of the broadcast on its website.

Meeting With DARPA Representative, Mike ObalSeptember 28: Ron Turner met with Mike Obal, DARPA, to further describe NIAC and opportu-nities for cooperation.

Invited Talk To The Cape Cod Technology CouncilOctober 7: Diana Jennings gave an invited talk to the Cape Cod Technology Council in Hyannis,MA.

Annual Meeting of the American Society for Gravitational and Space BiologyNovember 1 - 4: Diana Jennings attended the annual meeting of the American Society forGravitational and Space Biology in Reno, NV. Additionally, Paul Todd and several of his collabo-rators made a number of presentations of their NIAC results at this meeting.

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Seminar on Space Engineering Opportunities at University of CincinnatiNovember 10: NIAC Fellow Pam Menges reported that she gave an undergraduate seminar onspace engineering opportunities for science majors at the University of Cincinnati.

USRA Directors’ Meeting in Houston, TexasDecember 12-13: Bob Cassanova and Diana Jennings attended the USRA Directors' meeting inHouston, TX.

2006:

Attendance at the American Astronomical Meeting in Washington, D.C.January 9 - 12: Ron Turner attended the American Astronomical Society meeting in Washington,D.C.

NIAC Overview to the GSFC Technology PanelJanuary 11: Sharon Garrison provided a NIAC overview to the GSFC Technology Panel. She dis-tributed NIAC brochures, the upcoming Fellows Meeting Agenda, and copies of the Student Callfor Proposals. One result of the meeting is that the Goddard Technology Management Office nowlinks to NIAC. See http://gsfctechnology.gsfc.nasa.gov/.

NRC Committee Workshop: “Meeting the Workforce Needs for the National Vision forSpace Exploration”January 23-24: Ron Turner attended open sessions of the NRC committee workshop on"Meeting the Workforce Needs for the National Vision for Space Exploration," in Washington DC.This committee is co-chaired by David Black, President of USRA.

NIAC Briefing to Cooper Union School of EngineeringFebruary 21: Sharon Garrison provided a NIAC briefing by CD to Dean Baum of the CooperUnion School of Engineering. NIAC brochures and other literature were also provided in prior cor-respondence.

Invited Speaker to Mars Society at the Georgia Institute of TechnologyFebruary 22: Bob Cassanova gave an invited talk at the Georgia Tech Mars Society.

Meeting with Cape Cod Community College & Cape Cod Technology CouncilFebruary 28: Diana Jennings met with President Kathleen Schatzberg of Cape Cod CommunityCollege and Teresa Martin of The Cape Cod Technology Council to discuss enhancements to sci-ence and technology education.

Attended Symposium: "80 Years After Robert Goddard's First Rocket Flight: Engineers,Scientists and the Vision"March 14 -15: "80 Years After Robert Goddard's First Rocket Flight: Engineers, Scientists andthe Vision", was held on March 14-15, 2006 at the Greenbelt Marriott, Greenbelt, MD. NIACCoordinator/COTR (Sharon Garrison), NIAC Director (Bob Cassanova), NIAC Associate Director(Diana Jennings) and NIAC Senior Science Advisor (Ron Turner) attended this symposium. NIACBrochures and copies of the Student Call were distributed. The luncheon guest speaker on March14th was Gen. Lester Lyles, USAF (Ret), Chair of the NASA Exploration Systems AdvisoryCommittee, Member of the NASA Advisory Council and NIAC Science Council member.

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NIAC Director Interviewed for German Documentary, “Update 2056 - the World in 150Years"March 24: Bob Cassanova was interviewed by a Germany based production company,www.gruppe5film.de, which specializes in making history, science and natural history documen-taries for the German and international public broadcast TV market. They are working on thebiggest documentary about the future currently in production in Germany, entitled,"Update 2056- the World in 150 Years" for Channel 2 (ZDF) in Germany and Discovery Channel in the US.Fraunhofer GesellschaftDaimler-Chrysler, Siemens, Los Alamos National Laboratory and IBM arealready supporting the project. Physicist Michio Kaku is the overall scientific advisor of the proj-ect.

Attendee at the Astrobiology Science ConferenceMarch 26 - 30: Ron Turner attended the Astrobiology Science Conference (AbSciCon) 2006 inWashington, D.C. AbSciCon is an interdisciplinary conference bringing together biologists, geol-ogists, geophysicists, astronomers, and educators for talks, posters and discussions centeredaround various topics in astrobiology.

Meeting with Associate Administrator for Program Analysis and EvaluationMarch 30: Bob Cassanova, Diana Jennings, Ron Turner and Sharon Garrison met with AssociateAdministrator for Program Analysis and Evaluation, Dr. Scott Pace. Also included were Dr. JimFalk and Mr. William Claybaugh of PA&E. Dr. Falker is the representative to NIAC from PA&E. Dr.Pace and his staff were briefed on recent progress in NIAC activities and given copies of theNIAC Brochure, CDs of the Annual Report, and a DVD of the recent MIT Enterprise Forum pro-gram.

USRA Council of Institutions Dinner MeetingMarch 30: Bob Cassanova and Diana Jennings attended the USRA Council of InstitutionsDinner Meeting at the Sheraton Columbia, Columbia, Maryland.

USRA Annual SymposiumMarch 30: Ron Turner, Diana Jennings and Sharon Garrision attended the USRA AnnualSymposium, "The Future of University Space Research." The symposium included perspectivesoffered by Dr. David Black of USRA; Dr. Gordon Van Citters of the National ScienceFoundation; Dr. Scott Pace of NASA; and Mr. Jeff Bingham, Staff Director for the Subcomitteeon Science and Space of the US Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, andTransportation.

Meeting with Associate AdministratorMarch 31: Bob Cassanova met with Shana Dale, Associate Administrator, to brief her on recentNIAC funded activities and to present copies of the NIAC Brochure, a CD of the NIAC AnnualReport and a DVD of the recent MIT Enterprise Forum program. This meeting offered an oppor-tunity to continue to spread the word about NIAC activities, including the NIAC Student FellowsPrize.

Featured Speaker at the Georgia Institute of Technology Senior BanquetApril 20: Bob Cassanova was the featured speaker at the Georgia Tech Senior Banquet. TheSigma Gamma Tau-Aerospace Engineering Honor Society and the Department of AerospaceEngineering of Georgia Tech hosts this annual awards dinner and includes their faculty members

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and graduating seniors. Annual awards were presented to students and faculty for outstandingperformance during this academic year. Approximately 90 people attended.

2006 NASA Space Radiation Summer SchoolJune 15: Ron Turner, NIAC Senior Science Advisor, taught a section on Space Weather and theSpace Radiation Environment at the 2006 NASA Space Radiation Summer School at BrookhavenNational Laboratory.

Enoch Cobb Math/Science AcademyJune 22: Diana Jennings gave a presentation to the students of the Enoch Cobb Math/ScienceAcademy, a program for outgoing 6th graders who are especially gifted in Math and Science. The25 students and 5 of their teachers enjoyed an hour long presentation on life and living in spacethat included NIAC concepts. The Space Elevator proved to be an especially gripping topic to thisaudience.

NASA Near-Earth Object (NEO) Detection, Characterization and Threat MitigationWorkshopJune 26-29: Ron Turner represented NIAC at the invitation-only NASA workshop on Near EarthObject (NEO) Detection, Characterization and Threat Mitigation in Vail (CO) from June 26 - June29, 2006. This workshop was held in support of NASA's Office of Program Analysis & Evaluation(PA&E) study in response to congressional direction:

-Chartering NASA to detecting, tracking, cataloguing, and characterizing near-Earth objects in order to provide warning and mitigation of their potential hazard,

-Authorizing NASA to plan, develop, and implement a Near-Earth Object Survey program,- And directing NASA to study possible alternatives to carry out the survey program and to divert an object on a likely collision course with Earth, and to report back to Congresswith a recommended survey program.

Cape Cod Junior Technology CouncilJuly 6: Diana Jennings met with fellow members of the Advisory Committee to the Cape CodJunior Technology Council. The Committee has as its charter to provide input to enhance mathand science education activities in Southeastern Massachusetts.

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APPENDIX F

NIAC Publicity2005:

Space.comJuly 5The NIAC-sponsored Innovative Interstellar Explorers concept led by Ralph McNutt (JohnsHopkins Applied Physics Laboratory) was described on Space.com at http://space.com/busi-nesstechnology/050706_star_voyage.html.

SCIENCE.NASA.gov, Red Nova, Universe TodayJuly 27The work of two NIAC Fellows, Chris Phoenix of the Center for Responsible Nanotechnology,and Constantinos Mavroidis of Northeastern University, is featured on NASA's science portal athttp://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2005/27jul_nanotech.htm. Similar coverage by UniverseTod-ay can be found in an article entitled "Build Big by Thinking Small" at http://www.universe-today.com/am/publish/nanotechnology_radical_improvements_in_space_exploration.html?2872005 and on RedNova.com at http://www.rednova.com/news/space/194741/the_next_giant_leap_in_space_exploration/.

Worldchanging.comJuly 28An essay on NIAC is featured as a blog entry on worldchanging.com. "For someone who lovesto see the ways that the seemingly impossible -- or, at least, highly unlikely -- might be tackled,it's easy to get lost and spend more hours than one should looking through the documents atNIAC." See this at http://www.worldchanging.com/archives/003191.html.

National Public Radio (NPR), X-Star RadioJuly 28New NIAC Phase I Fellow Pamela Menges (Aerospace Research Systems) was interviewed forthe weekly program "Focus on Technology" with Ann Thompson, News Director of NPR affiliateWVXU and X-Star Radio Network.

Planetary Society Radio, XM Satellite RadioJuly 28NIAC Director Bob Cassanova was interviewed by Planetary Society Radio on the topic of thenew NIAC Phase I awardees. Planetary Society is available on diverse public radio stations. Itpublishes a podcast listed in the Apple iTune directory and is also carried on XM Satellite Radio.

NewScientist.comJuly 29Gerald Jackson (HBar Technologies) reports that his newly-funded Phase I study was detailed onnewscientist.com in an article entitled "'Antimatter harvester' may fuel future spacecraft". The arti-cle is available at http://www.newscientistspace.com/article.ns?id=dn7538

Space.com

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July 29The NIAC-sponsored Innovative Interstellar Explorers concept led by Ralph McNutt (JohnsHopkins Applied Physics Laboratory) was described in great detail on Space.com(http://space.com/businesstechnology/050706_star_voyage.html).

Seattle TimesJuly 29Bob Cassanova was interviewed by Carina Stanton, a reporter for the Seattle Times, who is writ-ing an article about the NIAC sponsored concepts in the state of Washington. She also contact-ed Robert Hoyt, Bradley Edwards, Robert Winglee and John Slough to gather information andquotes about their advanced concepts.

MIT Forum, Georgia Public BroadcastingJuly 29A press release describing the upcoming MIT Forum "The Power of Revolutionary Thinking" isnow available. The program will emanate with a live audience from Georgia Public Broadcastingstudios, and be broadcast globally via satellite and webcast. Dr. Robert A. Cassanova, Directorof the NASA Institute for Advanced Concepts (NIAC), will lead a panel of visionary researchers,all NIAC Fellows, in the 7pm discussion. Panelists include: Dr. Bradley Carl Edwards, Presidentand Founder of Carbon Designs, Space Elevator development leader; Dr. Dava Newman, MITAssociate Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics; and Dr. Penelope J. Boston, Professor andDirector of Research for Complex Systems Research, Inc., Boulder, CO. The program will bemoderated by Alf Nucifora, Chairman, Nucifora Consulting Group. The release is available athttp://www.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=91985

IEEE Spectrum OnlineJuly 29Bradley C. Edwards, NIAC Fellow best known for his work on the Space Elevator, published anarticle entitled "A Hoist to the Heavens". It is available at IEEE Spectrum Online athttp://www.spectrum.ieee.org/WEBONLY/publicfeature/aug05/0805spac.html .

Daily Mining GazetteAugust 8Michigan's Daily Mining Gazette features a profile of new NIAC Student Fellow Brian Sikkema athttp://www.mininggazette.com/community/story/089202005_com01-c0809.asp

Science.NASA.gov, The StatesmanAugust 9The work of two NIAC Fellows, Chris Phoenix of the Center for Responsible Nanotechnology, andConstantinos Mavroidis of Northeastern University, is featured on NASA's science portal athttp://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2005/27jul_nanotech.htm. This story was also picked up byThe Statesman - Kolkata,India at http://www.thestatesman.net/page.search.php.

National Geographic NewsAugust 25Bradley C. Edwards, NIAC Fellow best known for his work on the Space Elevator, is featured inan article entitled "Trading Rockets for Space Elevators" on National Geographic's online newsservice,http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2005/08/0825_050825_spaceelevator_2.html.

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Sydney, Australia Sun-HeraldSeptember 18NIAC Scientist Ross Hoffman's work on hurricane control was profiled at the Sydney, AustraliaSun-Herald: http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/how-the-microwave-could-stop-another-new-orleans-disaster/2005/09/17/1126750168513.html

USA TodaySeptember 19Ron Turner was quoted in a USA Today article about NASA's space exploration plans. He dis-cussed the need for continued science missions prior to human missions to reduce risk.

Cape Cod Times, Cape Cod Technology CouncilSeptember 20Diana Jennings' upcoming talk at the Cape Cod Technology Council has been advertised in var-ious print outlets on Cape Cod, including the Cape Cod Times and on the web athttp://www2.townonline.com/barnstable/localRegional/view.bg?articleid=330573

Astrobiology Magazine, PhysOrg.com, Universe TodaySeptember 27-30Alexey Pankine's Phase II project, Directed Arial Robotic Explorers, was profiled on multiple weboutlets, including Astrobiology Magazine, PhysOrg.com, and Universe Today: http://www.univer-setoday.com/am/publish/ballooning_mars.html?3092005

Boulder, Colorado Daily CameraSeptember 28Diana Jennings and NIAC Fellow Webster Cash were interviewed in a piece published in theBoulder, Colorado Daily Camera. The article can be found athttp://www.dailycamera.com/bdc/science/article/0,1713,BDC_2432_4115235,00.html but regis-tration is required.

National Geographic, Astrobiology Magazine, Universe Today and PhysOrg.comSeptember 27-October 4 Alexey Pankine's Phase II project, Directed Arial Robotic Explorers, wasprofiled on multiple web outlets. The links are:http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2005/10/1004_051004_mars_balloon.htmlhttp://www.universetoday.com/am/publish/ballooning_mars.html?3092005

The Denver PostOctober 11The Denver Post carried an article describing the NIAC Annual Meeting extracted from a NASAPress Release by Bill Steigerwald at GSFC entitled, “NASA SELECTS ADVANCED CONCEPTSFOR STUDY”.

GSFC Public Affairs, NASA Press ReleaseOctober 11Bill Steigerwald of GSFC Public Affairs wrote a NASA Press Release that announces the NIACnew Phase II Awards. Sharon Garrison and Bob Cassanova are quoted in it.

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PRNewswireOctober 12PRNewswire carried the announcement of Phase II winners made in August.http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/10-12-2005/0004166942&EDATE=

Physorg.comOctober 12Physorg.com carried a feature describing Webster Cash's New Worlds Imager.http://www.physorg.com/news7177.html

MSNBC.comOctober 13MSNBC.com, in its Tech/Science section, described the five winning Phase II concepts.http://msnbc.msn.com/id/9678603/

Cape Cod Times and Barnstable PatriotOctober 14Diana Jennings' talk to the Cape Cod Technology Council was covered in local press.

"The Mail On Sunday" - London, UK October 16"The Mail on Sunday", London press, interviewed Sharon Garrison and released an article aboutthe currently funded NIAC Phase II study, "Redesigning Living Organism to Survive on Mars".

Christian Science MonitorOctober 20 A thorough treatment of Dava Newman's BioSuit concept appears in the onlineversion of the Christian Science Monitor. http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/1020/p13s01-stss.html

Banner HeraldOctober 23 NIAC is described and Robert Cassanova interviewed in an article that appeared in theAthens, GA Banner Herald.

X-STAR Radio NetworkOctober 23Pamela Menges' NIAC Phase I concept for Artificial Neural Membrane Flapping Wing andAerospace Research Systems, Inc. were recently featured on the X-Star Radio Network. HerNIAC Phase I provides funding to look at new materials and new methods to create ArtificialNeural Membranes (ANM). Bob Cassanova, NIAC Director, was interviewed and detailed theunique opportunities in the successful advancement of an Artificial Neural Membrane FlappingWing as a membrane technology concept and potential demonstrator. The link for the podcastmay be found below.http://198.234.121.108/cincinnatiedition/102305_SpacePlane.mp3

Air & Space MagazineOctober 31

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Bob Cassanova was interviewed by Michael Milstein of the Air & Space Magazine for anarticle that appeared in the December 2005 issue.

Zentropa Real DocumentaryOctober 31Bob Cassanova continued contact with Camilla Anderson of Zentropa Real, Denmark, who isexploring the possibility of including the NIAC in an upcoming documentary on creativity and tech-nology. The film will be directed by Max Kestner, and will include acclaimed science-fiction authorWilliam Gibson.

thespacereview.comNovember 7NIAC Fellow Pete Worden's advanced ideas are discussed in an essay published online at the-spacereview.com. Among other concepts, the lunar telescope being advanced in his Phase IIwork is described at http://www.thespacereview.com/article/490/1

Centauri DreamsNovember 10 The QCShow-recordings of the last two NIAC meetings are the subject of the Nov. 10th "CentauriDreams" blog by Paul Gilster. The link is: http://www.centauri-dreams.org/. QCShow, a freelydownloadable player from AICS Research in Las Cruces, NM, synchronizes slides with audio toproduce a low-bandwidth way to 'attend' key conferences.

wired.comNovember 15 "Making the Red Planet Green" features the work of Phase II Fellow Paul Todd and SHOT(Greenville, IN) and is available at http://www.wired.com/news/technology/0,1282,69502,00.html.

CBC Radio BroadcastNovember 26Wendy Boss and her NIAC Phase II concept was featured in a radio broadcast interview on theCBC program "Quirks & Quarks" hosted by Bob McDonald.http://radio.cbc.ca/programs/quirks/archives/05-06/nov26.html

Astrobiology MagazineDecember 8Press was significant for the hopping microbots under investigation by Steven Dubowsky (MIT)and Penelope Boston (New Mexico Tech). http://www.astrobio.net/news/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=1798&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0

Universe TodayDecember 9Press was significant for the hopping microbots under investigation by Steven Dubowsky (MIT)and Penelope Boston (New Mexico Tech). http://www.universetoday.com/am/publish/hopping_microbots.html?9122005http://www.universetoday.com/am/publish/printer_hopping_microbots.html

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Physorg.comDecember 12Press was significant for the hopping microbots under investigation by Steve Dubowsky (MIT) andPenelope Boston (New Mexico Tech). http://www.physorg.com/news8957.html

Ciel et EspaceDecember 15Jean-Francois Hait, a science journalist and feature editor with the leading astronomy and spacemagazine in French, Ciel et Espace, interviewed Bob Cassanova and Sharon Garrison separate-ly by telephone. Ciel et Espace is devoted to popularizing space technology, astronomy, astro-physics, cosmology, and reporting on the latest research in those fields.

PR NewswireDecember 16The NIAC Phase I Call for Proposals, CP 06-01, was described in detail on the internet with pressreleases.

Azom.comDecember 19The NIAC Phase I Call for Proposals, CP 06-01, was described in detail on the internet.http://www.azom.com/details.asp?newsID=4587

MSNBC.comDecember 28Press was significant for the hopping microbots under investigation by Steve Dubowsky (MIT) andPenelope Boston (New Mexico Tech). http://msnbc.msn.com/id/10627762/

Space.comDecember 28Press was significant for the hopping microbots under investigation by Steve Dubowsky (MIT) andPenelope Boston (New Mexico Tech).http://www.space.com/businesstechnology/051228_microbots.html

2006:

Guardian Unlimited, UKJanuary 3Guardian Unlimited, UK, discusses NIAC and some of the recent Phase II concepts:http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/story/0,3605,1677592,00.htmlThis article, written by Alok Jha is the basis for the following articles on other websites precipitat-ed by interviews with Bob Cassanova and Sharon Garrison.

- January 4- Checkbiotech.org (press release), Switzerland http://www.checkbiotech.org/root/index.cfm?fuseaction=news&doc_id=11952 &start=1&control=163&page_start=1&page_nr=101&pg=1

- January 4- People's Daily Online, China http://english.people.com.cn/200601/05/eng20060105_233007.html

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- January 5- Fuel Cell Todayhttp://www.fuelcelltoday.com/FuelCellToday/IndustryInformation/IndustryInformation External/NewsDisplayArticle/0,1602,7001,00.html

- January 6- Contractor UKhttp://www.contractoruk.com/news/002453.htm

- January 7- Taipei Times http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/editorials/archives/2006/01/08/2003288052

The Engineer, UKJanuary 23Bob Cassanova was interviewed for an article by Niall Firth a reporter from The Engineer, aBritish publication. Kathy Reilly provided numerous NIAC graphics to Mr. Firth as well.

Radio City, El UniversoJanuary 24The producer of Radio City, the Radio Station Associated with the BBC of London in Ecuador andwith the most important newspaper of the country, El Universo contacted the NIAC Director andNIAC Coordinator for an interview as part of their show, "Buscando la Luna". Reporter JohannaVique interviewed Robert Cassanova.

Red HerringJanuary 25Bob Cassanova responded to an inquiry from Red Herring, an American technology weekly pub-lication. The reporter, Seema Singh, was especially interested in Dava Newman's Bio-Suit andinterviewed Dr. Newman as well.

The Futures ChannelFebruary 1The Futures Channel released a new educational video starring a NIAC Fellow, Anthony Colloza, and his NIAC-developed advanced concept, the Entomopter. The link to the video is:http://www.thefutureschannel.com/flying_on_mars.html

Time MagazineFebruary 20 The Space Elevator was mentioned in a Time Magazine article: The cover article on the expanding and impressive Google company (3-person leadership team) includes mention of theirtop interests in future development. On page 41, middle column, the Space Elevator is mentionedas one of the most exciting challenges they are considering. Brad Edwards, PI for the NIAC-developed space elevator concept, is aware of this and has plans to meet with them.

Outlook Radio SeriesFebruary 25The NIAC funded Biosuit was the subject of a radio interview with Bob Cassanova, NIAC Director,by Mike Lippis of the "Outlook Series". The Biosuit is being developed by Professor DavaNewman at MIT. The interview is available at the following link: http://www.officeroutlook.com/RADIO/NIAC_Bio-Suit.htm

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The Futures ChannelFebruary 25The Futures Channel has just released an article on their website about the flight of aircraft, birds,insects and blimps that includes an interview with Anthony Colozza and a movie about hisadvanced concept, the Entomopter, sponsored by NIAC. The interview with Colozza was conducted at the 2004 Annual Meeting by Steve Heard of the Futures Channel. There are linksto several excellent education articles about flight and to NIAC. The link to the Futures Channelarticle is: http://thefutureschannel.com/movie_of_the_week.html

America, AIAA MagazineMarch 6"Nanotubes Lift Hopes for Space Elevator" by Ben Iannotta, was published in the March 2006America, AIAA magazine. In the article, NIAC Fellow Bradley Edwards was quoted several times.The article omitted the facts that NIAC provided initial funding through a Phase I award and aPhase II award and that NASA provided additional funding through the Institute for ScientificResearch. The article is located online at:http://www.aiaa.org/aerospace/images/articleimages/pdf/AA_Mar06_IAN.pdf

The Futures ChannelMarch 6The Futures Channel released a new installment in their Critical Thinking Series: "Second SkinCapability". The program features an interview with NIAC Fellow Dava Newman. Dr. Newmandescribes the Biosuit, including the inspiration for its genesis, the problems the suit hopes toaddress, and the process of working collaboratively and internationally to realize the concept.Available online at http://www.thefutureschannel.com/bio-suit.html.

Red HerringMarch 6 NIAC was mentioned in an article in Red Herring entitled, "Next-generation spacesuits, advances in technology promise down-to-earth commercial applications". The articleis available online at http://www.redherring.com/Article.aspx?a=15866&hed=Next-Generation+Spacesuits>http://www.redherring.com/Article.aspx?a=15866&hed=Next- Generation+Spacesuits

Space.comMarch 8Bob Cassanova was quoted in an article by Leonard David on Space.com. The article describesthe recent STAIF 2006 meeting held in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The article is available onlineat http://www.space.com/businesstechnology/060308_exotic_drive.html.

MIT Enterprise ForumMarch 13NIAC Fellow Dava Newman and the MIT Enterprise Forum program featuring NIAC were profiledin the MIT Technology Review at http://www.technologyreview.com/TR/wtr_16500,324,p1.html.

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The Discovery Channel & Channel 2 (ZDF) in GermanyMarch 22*Cologne-based Gruppe 5 Filmproduktion Group are creating a film for a science documentaryentitled "Update 2056 - The World in 50 Years" and will feature Bradley Edwards and the Spaceelevator. Gruppe 5 interviewed NIAC Director. The NIAC Director, Bob Cassanova, was contact-ed by a German based company, (www.gruppe5film.de), which specializes in making history,science and natural history documentaries for the German and international public broadcast TVmarket. They are working on a large documentary about the future and it's currently in produc-tion in Germany. It's a high-gloss, 3-part one-hour, multi-million pound science documentary enti-tled, "Update 2056 - the World in 50 Years" for Channel 2 (ZDF) in Germany and the DiscoveryChannel in the US. The series will be based on current science projects at leading research insti-tutions worldwide combined with animations and fiction plot to provide a realistic and captivatingvision of the future. Fraunhofer Gesellschaft, Daimler-Chrysler, Siemens, Los Alamos NationalLaboratory and IBM are already supporting the project. The internationally know physicist MichioKaku is the overall scientific advisor of the project, and he will be working with a host of expertsin different fields.

Gruppe 5 believes that a space elevator will most likely be operating by 2056 and are featuringBradley Edwards in their documentary. They were also interested in interviewing the NIACDirector to provide a more complete picture of the NIAC-funded Space Elevator study and the his-tory of NIAC.

NASA.gov, Universe Today, ZDNet, International ReporterApril 14A press release from GSFC (Bill Steigerwald) describing the anti-matter spaceship concept ofDr. Gerald Smith (Phase I PI) was featured on NASA.gov's home page. The original text of therelease can be found athttp://www.nasa.gov/centers/goddard/news/topstory/2006/antimatter_spaceship.html. The release was picked up by multiple web outlets, including the following.

- Universe Today - Apr 19, 2006 http://www.universetoday.com/am/publish/antimatter_mars.html?1942006 - ZDNet - Apr 19, 2006 http://blogs.zdnet.com/emergingtech/index.php?p=217 - International Reporter, India - Apr 20, 2006 http://internationalreporter.com/news/read.php?id=1216

The Futures ChannelApril 18A video interview with Dr. Paul Spudis was released on The Futures Channel website which isbased on an interview with Dr. Spudis at the NIAC Annual Meeting in October 2004. The link is:http://www.thefutureschannel.com/revisiting_the_moon.html

Fast CompanyApril 21The May 2006 issue of Fast Company includes a long article about Homaro Cantu, executivechef of Chicago's "Moto", who "wants to use his self-taught rocket science and culinary trainingto change how the world thinks about food". Cantu's association with CP 05-01-winningIcosystem Corporation (Eric Bonabeau, PI) is described briefly on page 49. Cantu is an advisorto the food replicator project. The article refers to "the Institute for Advanced Concepts, the futur-

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ist arm of NASA", on page 49. Co-PI Paolo Gaudiano is quoted. The article can be found onlineas well at http://www.fastcompany.com/subscr/105/open_food-cantu.html

National Public Radio (NPR)April 24NIAC Fellow Roger Angel was interviewed on NPR, "All Things Considered," on Monday April 24about his concept for a Sun Shield to reduce the effects of global warming. The interview wasbased on a paper he had recently presented at a meeting of the National Academy of Sciences.

NIAC Fellow Appointed Director of the NASA Ames Research CenterApril 24Dr. Pete Worden, NIAC Fellow and Research Professor at the University of Arizona has beennamed the next Director of the NASA Ames Research Center.

NASA.govApril 27The NIAC-developed antimatter engine is featured in an article by Bill Steigerwald of GSFCPublic Affairs and was posted on the main NASA page at: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/exploration/mmb/antimatter_spaceship.html

Physorg.com, Spaceref.com, NASAwatch.comApril 29Gerald Smith's NIAC Phase I concept is featured in an article on physorg.com this week. The arti-cle is based on a release that has also been picked up by spaceref.com and nasawatch.com. Thearticle was written by Bill Steigerwald of GSFC Public Affairs.http://www.physorg.com/news64499584.htmlhttp://www.spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=19597

Aerospace AmericaMay 6In the AIAA publication, Aerospace America, Ron Turner comments in a letter to the journal aboutthe NIAC's support of the Space Elevator project carried out by NIAC Fellow BradleyEdwards.The correspondence can be viewed online athttp://www.aiaa.org/aerospace/images/articleimages/pdf/AA_May06_IB.pdf

TechtopicsMay 12The Summer 2006 issue of TECHTOPICS published by the Georgia Tech Alumni Associationincludes an article about NIAC Student Fellow Jarret Lafleur. The article is entitled "Aiming High,Academic All-Star has out-of-this-world goals". The article notes that Jarret received a NIAC stu-dent award in 2003-2004 to work on his concept for "Daedalon". It was noted that Jarret also wasthe recipient of a scholarship from the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. Yahoo.news, Photonics.com, PR Web, New Scientist Space UKMay 15-18A press release by the Bae Institute (with assistance by Bob Scaringe) was picked up at multiplesites. The press release describes the NIAC Phase I work being carried out by PI Young K. Baeand his colleagues.

May 15: Yahoo! News press release http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/5/prweb386054.htm

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May 16: Photonics.com http://www.photonics.com/content/news/2006/May/16/82743.aspxMay 17: PR Web http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/5/prweb386054.htmMay 18: New Scientist Space UK and NewScientist.comhttp://www.newscientistspace.com/article/dn9188-lasers-could-ensure-satellites-fly-inperfect-format

PR Newswire, Spaceref.com, Yahoo.comMay 17-18The list of NIAC Student Fellows Prize recipients was publicized extensively across the Internet,beginning with the May 15th announcement on the NIAC web site, and a NASA Press releaseauthored by Diana Jennings and disseminated by Bill Steigerwald at NASA’s GSFC resulted inthe following publicity:

May 17: University of Arizona press release picked up by Spaceref.comhttp://www.spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=19855May 17: Announcement of awards picked up by Spaceref.comhttp://www.spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=19867May 18: PRNewswire and Yahoo:http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060518/dcth044.html?.v=47

Centauri DreamsMay 23 The website "Centauri Dreams" includes an article about Jim Bickford's NIAC concept for"Extraction of Antiparticles Concentrated in Planetary Magnetic Fields". The link is:http://www.centauri-dreams.org/?p=674

North One TVJune 7Andy Price of North One TV in England conducted a phone interview with Bob Cassanova for adocumentary being assembled for Discovery in the US and Channel Five in England about theinfluence of James Bond movies on space travel.

WikipediaThe online encyclopedia, Wikipedia, contains an excellent article describing the Earth SpaceElevator and the Lunar Space Elevator. NIAC Fellows Bradley Edwards' and Jerome Pearson'sresearch are referenced in the article and NIAC is mentioned for funding Bradley Edwards.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spac_elevator

Air and Space SmithsonianJuly IssueThe July issue of "Air and Space Smithsonian" mentions on p. 58 the Directed Aerial RoboticExplorer (DARE) concept, which was developed by Global Aerospace Corporation with fundingfrom NIAC. The article entitled "Floaters" was authored by Joe Pappalardo and mentioned NIAC.

Batesville Daily GuardJune 13Lyon College (Batesville, Arkansas) Dave Thomas professor is profiled in an article in theBatesville Daily Guard. Professor Thomas is part of the team effort by Phase II Fellow Paul Toddand colleagues at SHOT to develop a Mars environmental simulator. NIAC is mentioned. The arti-

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cle is available by subscription only.

Wall Street JournalJune 23NIAC is mentioned in an article in the Wall Street Journal by Katy McLaughlin entitled “ThatMelon Tenderloin Looks Awfully Familiar...” available by subscription only. This article resultedfrom conversations between Diana Jennings and Katy McLaughlin from the Wall Street Journalabout NIAC's funding of the Icosystem food replicator.

NASA Press ReleaseJune 29A press release announcing both the Phase I and Phase II selections was distributed andauthored by Bill Steigerwald of Goddard PAO.

Popular ScienceJuly IssueThe July 2006 issue of Popular Science contains a short article about the NIAC-funded positronpropulsion system being developed by Gerald Smith at Positronics Research LLC.

CNN.comJuly 5Webster Cash's Phase II project, The New Worlds Imager, is featured on the CNN website. Thearticle describes the concept which has appeared in the international science journal, NATURE.http://www.cnn.com/2006/TECH/space/07/05/space.shield.reut/index.html

NASA.gov, National Geographic.com, Popular Science Magazine, New York TimesSyndicateJuly 2006Since the completion of Gerald Smith’s NIAC Phase I Positron Propulsion System, much presshas been received. An article on this concept is available at the NASA website:

(http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/exploration/mmb/antimatter_spaceship.html), the National Geographic website:

(http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/bigphotos/61447961.html),and was in the July 2006 Popular Science magazine. In addition, the New York TimesSyndicate requested the Positron Rocket image for a syndication article.

L’EspressoJuly 6The Italian weekly L'Espresso has an article titled "Alimentary Particles". The first page or sotalks about the NIAC-sponsored project to create a Food Replicator. The article includes a pic-ture of the printer created by Hod Lipson (with proper credit) and also mentions Homaro Cantu.The web site of L'Espresso is at http://espresso.repubblica.it, although a subscription is neededto find the article.

NASA Press ReleaseJuly 6Bill Steigerwald of GSFC Public Affairs Office prepared a NASA HQ Press Release about thenew NIAC Phase I and II Awards.

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NATUREJuly 6Webster Cash’s NIAC-funded concept, The New Worlds Imager (also called the Starshade), isfeatured on the cover of the July 6, 2006 issue of NATURE and described in an article in thisissue. The link to the online magazine is:

http://www.nature.com/index.htmlThe link to the online article is:

http://www.nature.com/news/2006/060703/full/060703-11.html

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APPENDIX G

2005 - 2006 NIAC Fellows Publication ListingAngel, Roger:

Angel, R., Eisenstein, D., Sivanandam, S., Worden, S., Burge, J., Borra, E., Gosselin, C., Seddiki,O., Hickson, P., Ma, K., Foing, B., Josset, J-L, Thibault, S., “A Deep Field Infrared ObservatoryNear the Lunar Pole”, International Lunar Conference, 2005.

Roger Angel, Dan Eisenstein, Suresh Sivanandam, Simon P. Worden, Jim Burge, ErmannoBorra, Clement Gosselin, Omar Seddiki, Paul Hickson, Ki Buri Ma, Bernard Foing, Jean-LucJosset, Simon Thibault, Paul van Susante, “A Lunar Liquid Mirror Telescope (LLMT) For Deep-Field Infrared Observations Near the Lunar Pole”, SPIE Proc. Space Telescopes andInstrumentation I: Optical, Infrared, and Millimeter, eds. J. C. Mather, H. W. MacEwen, M. W. deGraauw, 6265, Orlando, 2006.

Bickford, James:

J. Bickford, W. Schmitt, W. Spjeldvik, A. Gusev, G. Pugacheva, I. Martin, "Natural Sources ofAntiparticles in the Solar System and the Feasibility of Extraction for High Delta-V SpacePropulsion", New Trends in Astrodynamics Conference, Princeton, NJ, 16-18 August, 2006.

G. Pugacheva, A. Gusev , V. Pankov , J. Bickford , W. Spjeldvik , U. Jayanthi , and I. Martin,"Antiparticle content in planetary magnetospheres and its possible use as fuel for remote helios-phere space missions", COSPAR 2006, Beijing, China, 16-23 July 2006.

Boss, Wendy:

Im, Y.J., M. Ji, A.M. Lee, W. F. Boss, A.M. Grunden. 2005. Production of a thermostable archaealsuperoxide reductase in plant cells. FEBS Letters. 579:5521-5526.

The results were presented at the following meetings: Ji ML, Im YJ, Lee AM, Boss WF, Grunden, AM. 2005. Recombinant expression of superoxidereductase from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus in tobacco cell culture.105th General Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology, Atlanta, GA

Ji ML, Im YJ, Lee AM, Boss WF, Grunden AM. 2005. Recombinant expression of superoxidereductase from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus in Tobacco cell culture.North Carolina Chapter of the American Society for Microbiology, Raleigh, NC.

Cash, Webster:

Webster Cash, Jeremy Kasdin, Sara Seager, Jonathon Arenberg "Direct studies of exoplanetswith the New Worlds Observer", Proc. Soc. Photo-Opt. Instr. Eng., 5899, 0S1-0S12, 2005.

Schindhelm, E., Cash, W., Seager, S., "Science simulations for the New Worlds Observer", Proc.

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Soc. Photo-Opt. Instr. Eng., 5905, 455-463, 2005Cash, W., "Direct observation of exoplanets with a flower-shaped occulter", NATURE, submitted,2006.

Komerath, Narayanan:

Wanis, S.S., Komerath, N.M., "Validation of TFF Concept for Use in Space Based Construction"STAIF 2006-081, Proceedings of the Space Technology Applications International Forum,Albuquerque, NM, February 2006.

Wanis, S.S., Komerath, N.M., "Designs for Space-Based Construction Using Force Fields" ASCEEarth and Space 206 conference, League City, TX, March 2006.

Rangedera, T., Vanmali, R., Shah, N., Zaidi, W., Komerath,N., "A Solar-Powered Near EarthObject Resource Extractor". Proceedings of the first Georgia Tech Space Space SystemsEngineering Conference, Atlanta, November 2005.

Vanmali, R., Li, B., Tomlinson, B., Zaidi, W., Komerath, N., "Conceptual Design of a MultipurposeRobotic Craft for Space Based Construction". AIAA2005-6733, Space 2005, Long Beach, CAAugust 30-Sep. 2, 2005.

Vanmali, R., Tomlinson, B., Li, B., Wanis, S., Komerath, N., "Engineering a Space BasedConstruction Robot," 05WAC-44 SAE World Aerospace Congress, 2005.

Wanis, S., Komerath, N., "Advances in Force Field Tailoring for Construction in Space". PaperIAC2005_D1.1.02, International Astronautical Federation Conference in Fukuoka, Japan, Oct.15-21, 2005 .

Abstract: B. Tomlinson, B. Li, S.Wanis, N. Komerath, Engineering a Space Based ConstructionRobot, SAE, World Aerospace Conference, August 2005.

Abstract: B. Tomlinson , B. Li, R. Vanmali, S.Wanis , N. Komerath, Conceptual design of aMultipurpose Robotic Craft for Space Based Construction. AIAA Space 2005 Conference,September 2005.

Abstract: Wanis, S., Komerath, N.M., "Advances in Force Field Tailoring for Construction inSpace", IAF, Congress, Fukuoka, Japan, October 2005.

Peck, Mason:

M. Peck, "Prospects and Challenges for Lorentz-Augmented Orbits," Journal of Guidance,Control, and Dynamics (submitted).

Todd, Paul:

P. J. Boston, P. Todd and K. R. McMillen. Robotic Lunar Ecopoiesis Test Bed: Bringing theExperimental Method to Terraforming. Space Technology and Applications International Forum -STAIF 2004, Ed. M. S. El-Genk, American Institute of Physics, Washington, DC, 2004.

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D. J. Thomas, S. L. Sullivan, A. L. Price, and S. M. Zimmerman. Common freshwater cyanobac-teria grow in 100% CO2. Astrobiology 5(1) 66-74, 2005.

D. J. Thomas and S. K. Herbert. An Inexpensive Apparatus for Growing PhotosyntheticMicroorganisms in Exotic Atmospheres. Astrobiology (1), 75-82, 2005.

P. Todd. Planetary biology and terraforming. Gravitational and Space Biology 19 (2), submitted2005.

P. J. Boston, P. Todd, D. J. Thomas and K. Mcmillen. Toward a concept of habitability: Applicationsto experimental ecopoiesis. Gravitational and Space Biology 19 (2), submitted 2005.

D. J. Thomas, J. Boling, P. J. Boston, K. A. Campbell, T. McSpadden, L. McWilliams and P. Todd.Extremophiles for ecopoiesis: Desirable traits for and survivability of pioneer Martian organisms.Gravitational and Space Biology 19 (2), submitted 2005.

D. J. Thomas, P. Todd, P. J. Boston, J. Boling, T. McSpadden and L. McWilliams. Early results ofecopiesis experiments in the SHOT Martian environment simulator. Proceedings of the EighthInternational Mars Society Convention, submitted 2005.

P. Todd, P. J. Boston, H. Platt and G. W. Metz. Environmental simulators for experimentalecopoiesis. Gravitational and Space Biology 18(1) Abstract #81, p. 33, 2004.

N. A. Thomas, P. Todd, G. W. Metz, H. Platt, and D. J. Thomas. Performance evaluation of a lab-oratory test bed for planetary biology. 21st Meeting of the American Society for Gravitational andSpace Biology, Reno, NV, Gravitational and Space Biology 19 (1), Abstract # 77, p. 33,1-4 Nov2005.

P. Todd. Planetary biology and terraforming. 21st Meeting of the American Society forGravitational and Space Biology, Reno, NV, Gravitational and Space Biology 19 (1), Abstract #95, p. 46, 1-4 Nov 2005.

P. J. Boston, P. Todd, D. J. Thomas and K. Mcmillen. Toward a concept of habitability: Applicationsto experimental ecopoiesis. 21st Meeting of the American Society for Gravitational and SpaceBiology, Reno, NV, Gravitational and Space Biology 19 (1), Abstract #97, p. 46, 1-4 Nov 2005.

D. J. Thomas, J. Boling, P. J. Boston, K. A. Campbell, T. McSpadden, L. McWilliams and P. Todd.Extremophiles for ecopoiesis: Desirable traits for and survivability of pioneer Martian organisms.21st Meeting of the American Society for Gravitational and Space Biology, Reno, NV,Gravitational and Space Biology 19 (1), Abstract #98, p. 46, 1-4 Nov 2005.

An "expanded abstract" was published in Gravitational and Space Biology 14 (2) 2005, with thefollowing content: Environmental Simulators for Experimental Ecopoiesis, P. Todd, P. J. Boston,H. Platt, G. W. Metz. SHOT, Inc., Greenville, IN, Center for Cave and Karst Studies, New MexicoInstitute of Mining and Technology, Socorro, NM.

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Abstract- Eighth International Mars Society Convention, Boulder, CO, August 11-14, 2005. EarlyResults of Ecopoeisis Experiments in the SHOT Martian Environment Simulator. David J.Thomas, Paul W. Todd, Penelope J. Boston, John Boling, Tiffany McSpadden and LauraMcWilliams.Lyon College, Science Division, Batesville, AR 72501, Space Hardware OptimizationTechnology, Inc., Greenville, IN 47124, Complex Systems Research, Inc., Boulder, CO 80301.

Woolsey, Craig:

M. Morrow and C. Woolsey and G. Hagerman", "Exploring Titan with autonomous, buoyancy-driv-en gliders", "Journal of the British Interplanetary Society", 59" (1) pp.27-34, January, 2006.

MASTER'S THESIS: "M. Morrow""A Self-Sustaining, Boundary-Layer-Adapted System for Terrain Exploration and EnvironmentalSampling,Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, June, 2005.

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2005annualreport[1]

Documents

proposals cp

summary of cp

niac conceptscoordination

niac conceptshave

agenciesinto niac concepts

phase iicall

phase icall

award winnerstable