NASA just completed awarding 30 contracts for cutting edge and, in some cases, risky research projects. NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts, or NIAC, handed out the $100,000 grants for visionary proposals covering everything from power systems to the growing problem of debris in space:
The winning proposals were chosen from a field of hundreds based on their technical merit and potential impact, as well as their scientific team and cost estimates. “The ones being selected today really were the cream of the crop,” said Jay Falker, NIAC program executive. He said they involved new concepts that hadn’t been investigated before by NASA.
I think one of the coolest is the 3-D “printer” concept:
3-D printers that could crank out parts for spacecraft and space stations – from wrenches to screws – all while in orbit is becoming one step closer to reality. A company called Made in Space has completed a successful testing period of two 3-D printers on multiple NASA flights, with a scaled-down wrench becoming the first-ever tool printed in partial zero gravity.
Intruiging. I have seen something that sounds slightly similar whilst doing a Computer Aided Design (CAD) course. There was a machine at the college which made items in plastic; you sent the CAD drawing to the machine and presto, it made the widget for you. I only saw it in operation once but was absolutely fascinated. Presumably this is in steel, which makes it even more impressive?
I have always loved the idea of 3-D printers and I’ve been following their development for years. It really is one of the best, most useful future techs.