Connect with us

News

Funding Future Tech: NASA Names 2024 Innovative Concept Studies

Published

on

niac ph i selections web graphic banner k.reilly final
A collage of illustrations highlighting the novel concepts proposed by the 2024 NIAC Phase I awardees. Credit: clockwise, from upper right: Steven Benner, Beijia Zhang, Matthew McQuinn, Alvaro Romero-Calvo, Thomas M. Eubanks, Kenneth Carpenter, James Bickford, Alvaro Romero-Calvo, Peter Cabauy, Geoffrey Landis, Lynn Rothschild, and Ge-Cheng Zha.
NASA

NASA selected the 2024 Phase I awardees for its program to fund ideas that could  innovate for the benefit of all and transform future agency missions. From proposals to explore low Earth orbit to the stars, the 13 concepts chosen stem from companies and institutions across the United States.

The NIAC (NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts) program fosters pioneering ideas by funding early-stage technology concept studies for future consideration and potential commercialization. The combined award is a maximum of $175,000 in grants to evaluate technologies that could enable tomorrow’s space missions.

“The daring missions NASA undertakes for the benefit of humanity all begin as just an idea, and NIAC is responsible for inspiring many of those ideas,” said NASA Associate Administrator Jim Free. “The Ingenuity helicopter flying on Mars and instruments on the MarCO deep space CubeSats can trace their lineage back to NIAC, proving there is a path from creative idea to mission success. And, while not all these concepts will fly, NASA and our partners worldwide can learn from fresh approaches and may eventually use technologies advanced by NIAC.”

This year’s class will explore sample return from the surface of Venus, fixed-wing flight on Mars, a swarm of probes traveling across interstellar space, and more. All NIAC studies are in the early stages of conceptual development and are not considered official NASA missions. 

Ge-Cheng Zha, Coflow Jet LLC in Florida, proposed flying the first fixed-wing, electric vertical takeoff, and landing craft on Mars. The vehicle nicknamed “MAGGIE,” could extend humanity’s ability to explore and conduct science on the Red Planet. 

Thomas Eubanks, Space Initiatives Inc. in Florida, believes a swarm of tiny spacecraft could travel to Proxima Centauri this century, sending back data about the Sun’s nearest interstellar neighbor using a novel laser sailcraft and laser communications.

Geoff Landis, NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, proposed a spacecraft that can not only survive Venus’ harsh environment but return a sample from the surface using innovations in high-temperature technology and solar aircraft. 

“The diversity of this year’s Phase I projects – from quantum sensors observing Earth’s atmosphere to a coordinated swarm of spacecraft communicating from the next star – is a testament to the truly innovative community reached by NIAC,” said Mike LaPointe, NIAC program executive at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “The NIAC awards highlight NASA’s commitment to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.”

Advertisement
20221115 affiliate Newsletter0000

Using their NIAC grants, the researchers, known as fellows, will investigate the fundamental premise of their concepts, roadmap necessary technology development, identify potential challenges, and look for opportunities to bring these concepts to life.

In addition to the projects mentioned above, the other selectees to receive 2024 NIAC Phase I grants are:

NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate funds the NIAC program, as it is responsible for developing the agency’s new cross-cutting technologies and capabilities to achieve its current and future missions.

To learn more about NIAC, visit:

https://www.nasa.gov/niac

Author

  • Rod Washington

    Rod: A creative force, blending words, images, and flavors. Blogger, writer, filmmaker, and photographer. Cooking enthusiast with a sci-fi vision. Passionate about his upcoming series and dedicated to TNC Network. Partnered with Rebecca Washington for a shared journey of love and art. View all posts


Discover more from Daily News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Rod: A creative force, blending words, images, and flavors. Blogger, writer, filmmaker, and photographer. Cooking enthusiast with a sci-fi vision. Passionate about his upcoming series and dedicated to TNC Network. Partnered with Rebecca Washington for a shared journey of love and art.

Lifestyle

National Recycling Day: Easy, Fun and Good for the Environment

Published

on

Recycling

How to make every day recycling day

(Family Features) With so many mixed messages, recycling can feel confusing, but the truth is simpler than you might think. Recycling isn’t just for today – it’s a year-round commitment to a healthier planet.

In honor of National Recycling Day, consider these facts about recycling from the experts and tips to make a difference.

Recycling Is Real
Americans recycle more than 6 billion pounds of plastic every year. Among the plastics recycled, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) remains a responsible material choice. PET is the world’s most recycled plastic, with more than 1.8 billion pounds of PET bottles and containers recovered in the U.S. annually. Since PET bottles can be made from 100% post-consumer recycled content, each recycled bottle contributes to a circular economy where materials are continuously reused instead of wasted.

Recycling PET Plastic is Better for the Environment
Countless others from academics, researchers and industry experts show plastics, such as PET specifically, often have a lower environmental impact. In fact, glass bottles produce three times the greenhouse gas emissions compared to PET bottles, and making an aluminum can produces twice the emissions, according to Life Cycle Assessment studies. Producing PET also uses less energy and water and lowers acid rain and smog potential. Using and recycling PET is a more responsible, more eco-friendly choice than banning plastic outright.

Recycling Saves Energy
Recycling PET bottles requires less energy than producing new glass bottles or aluminum cans. Every PET bottle you recycle helps conserve resources and supports a more responsible production cycle.

Not All Plastics are Created Equal
PET is a superstar among plastics because it can be recycled repeatedly without losing strength or quality. It’s also an inexpensive, lightweight and shatter-resistant package that preserves and protects the food and medicine people place in their bodies.

Recycling Can be Easy
Recycling services can be accessible, with many communities across the U.S. offering easy ways to recycle. Today more than 73% of all U.S. households have access to recycling, according to The Recycling Partnership.

By staying informed, choosing packaging that’s easily recyclable and recycling consistently, you can help build a more sustainable future every day. Visit recyclecheck.org to find out where you can recycle in your community.

17302 detail image embed infographic

5 Recycling Tips

  1. Know your plastics. Look for the No. 1 recycling symbol – inside three arrows forming a triangular shape – to identify polyethylene terephthalate (PET), helping ensure your recycling efforts are impactful.
  2. Recycle PET plastic packaging over bans. Choose products packaged in PET bottles where possible, as recycling PET reduces reliance on resource-heavy materials and greenhouse gas emissions.
  3. See recycling as energy conservation. PET bottle recycling uses significantly less energy compared to producing new glass bottles or aluminum cans.
  4. Think of recycling as an investment. Every PET container you recycle contributes to a circular economy and more sustainable world.
  5. Get involved within your community. Connect with local recycling programs and stay updated on your area’s recycling guidelines by visiting recyclecheck.org.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

collect?v=1&tid=UA 482330 7&cid=1955551e 1975 5e52 0cdb 8516071094cd&sc=start&t=pageview&dl=http%3A%2F%2Ftrack.familyfeatures
SOURCE:
Amcor Rigid Packaging

Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.

Advertisement
20221115 affiliate Newsletter0000

Discover more from Daily News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Continue Reading

Space and Tech

NASA Coverage of the Upcoming Progress 90 Cargo Resupply Mission

Published

on

NASA
The unpiloted Roscosmos Progress spacecraft pictured on Feb. 7, 2023, from the International Space Station. Credit: NASA

Excitement is building as NASA prepares for the upcoming launch of the Progress 90 spacecraft, a critical mission that will deliver essential supplies to the crew aboard the International Space Station (ISS). With a launch scheduled for 7:22 a.m. EST on Thursday, November 21, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, this unpiloted Roscosmos cargo spacecraft will transport nearly three tons of food, fuel, and vital equipment to the Expedition 72 crew.

Tune In for Live Coverage

NASA is offering live launch coverage starting at 7:00 a.m. EST on the day of the launch, available on NASA+ and their official website. This is a fantastic opportunity for space enthusiasts and curious minds alike to witness firsthand the relentless efforts of international space collaboration. Not sure how to catch the excitement? NASA has made it easy! Their live coverage can be accessed through various platforms, including social media, so you won’t miss a moment of this thrilling event.

Mission Timeline

Following the launch, the Progress 90 spacecraft will embark on a two-day journey to the ISS, a remarkable feat of engineering and logistics. It is scheduled to autonomously dock at the space-facing port of the Poisk module on Saturday, November 23, at 9:35 a.m. EST. Make sure to tune in for NASA’s coverage of the docking process, which will begin at 8:45 a.m. that same day. Observing the intricate choreography of rendezvous and docking showcases the ingenuity of modern space missions.

Before Progress 90 arrives, it’s important to note that the previous Progress 88 spacecraft will undock from the Poisk module on Tuesday, November 19. Although NASA will not stream this undocking event, it marks another step in efficient cargo operations at the ISS.

What Happens Next?

Once docked, the Progress 90 spacecraft will remain attached to the ISS for approximately six months, providing continuous support to the crew. When it completes its mission, the spacecraft will carry away any used supplies and cargo, ensuring a tidy and efficient living environment aboard the station. It will then safely re-enter Earth’s atmosphere, disposing of invaluable trash generated during the mission.

The Role of the ISS in Space Exploration

For over 24 years, NASA has played a key role in maintaining a continuous human presence in low Earth orbit, enabling groundbreaking research and scientific exploration that simply cannot be achieved on our home planet. The ISS serves as a unique laboratory that allows for experiments in microgravity, helping scientists make discoveries that will not only benefit life on Earth but also pave the way for future space exploration.

The station is poised to support NASA’s ambitious goals for the Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon and expand our presence in the solar system. Ultimately, this sustained effort will guide us toward the dream of human exploration of Mars.

Join the Journey!

As we look forward to another exciting chapter in space travel with the Progress 90 mission, we encourage everyone to join the conversation. Share your thoughts, watch the launch, engage with fellow enthusiasts online, and marvel at the boundaries that humanity is pushing through science and collaboration. Space is within our reach, and every mission takes us one step closer to understanding our universe!

Advertisement
20221115 affiliate Newsletter0000

Together, let’s celebrate the spirit of exploration and the collaborative advances in human innovation that make missions like this possible. See you on launch day! 🌌🚀✨

Get breaking news, images and features from the space station on InstagramFacebook, and X.

Learn more about the International Space Station, its research, and its crew, at:

https://www.nasa.gov/station

The science section of our news blog STM Daily News provides readers with captivating and up-to-date information on the latest scientific discoveries, breakthroughs, and innovations across various fields. We offer engaging and accessible content, ensuring that readers with different levels of scientific knowledge can stay informed. Whether it’s exploring advancements in medicine, astronomy, technology, or environmental sciences, our science section strives to shed light on the intriguing world of scientific exploration and its profound impact on our daily lives. From thought-provoking articles to informative interviews with experts in the field, STM Daily News Science offers a harmonious blend of factual reporting, analysis, and exploration, making it a go-to source for science enthusiasts and curious minds alike. https://stmdailynews.com/category/science/


Discover more from Daily News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Continue Reading

recipes

Keep Your Kitchen Clear with an Ooey-Gooey Appetizer for Guests

Published

on

appetizer

(Culinary.net) Prepping for Thanksgiving gatherings is plenty of work on its own, and when family and guests can’t stay out of your way in the kitchen, you’ll need the perfect appetizer as a distraction. This Loaded Spinach Dip offers a little something for everyone with ooey-gooey goodness and just the right touch of bacon.

Find more shareable holiday appetizers by visiting Culinary.net.

17250 spinach dip detail image embed1

Loaded Spinach Dip

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
Servings: 8-10

  • 16 ounces softened cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup mayo
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 10 ounces thawed spinach
  • 14 ounces drained canned artichoke hearts, roughly chopped
  • 1 package (2 1/2 ounces) real bacon pieces
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • salt, to taste
  • pepper, to taste
  • pretzel bites, toasted baguette slices, crackers or veggies, for serving
  1. Heat oven to 375 F.
  2. In large bowl, mix cream cheese, mayo and sour cream. Add spinach, artichoke hearts, bacon, Parmesan and mozzarella. Mix in garlic powder and onion powder. Add salt and pepper, to taste.
  3. Spoon into oven-safe skillet or baking dish and bake 20-25 minutes. Serve with pretzel bites, toasted baguette slices, crackers or veggies.

collect?v=1&tid=UA 482330 7&cid=1955551e 1975 5e52 0cdb 8516071094cd&sc=start&t=pageview&dl=http%3A%2F%2Ftrack.familyfeatures
SOURCE:
Culinary.net

At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.

Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience.

https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/

Discover more from Daily News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Continue Reading

Trending