Bring Back the Institute for Advanced Concepts?

Second Skin

From 1998 to 2007, the NASA Institute for Advanced Concepts (NIAC) funded further study of a number of revolutionary concepts that could someday have a significant impact on space exploration. Ideas like a space elevator for cheap access to orbit, anti-matter propulsion systems that put our neighboring stars within reach, and next-generation spacesuits that look and wear more like bodysuits—these concepts and many others found a home at NIAC.

Budget constraints closed the institute two years ago, but now NIAC is making science headlines again thanks to a report released last week by the National Research Council urging NASA to revive it.

Space Sling In 2004, The Futures Channel began conducting interviews with NIAC researchers and visionaries, sharing these short documentaries with the education community. Since then, hundreds of thousands of students have viewed the Futures Channel's NIAC movies in their math and science classes. The movies’ popularity extended beyond just educators as scientists and space enthusiasts also visited our web site to view them. And they continue to attract viewers not only from the US but from around the world.

Flying on Mars Did the work of NIAC help to inspire our future work force? Did it stimulate creative ideas and foster excitement about what might actually be possible? We think so. But take a look and decide for yourself. Below are some of the programs we've produced about NIAC supported projects.

NIAC Movies

An Overview of NIAC Watch the Movie

There are people thinking 10 to 40 years in the future in pursuit of concepts that will "leapfrog" the evolution of current aerospace systems. Introduce your students to a few of these scientists, engineers and visionaries in our 4-minute overview of The NASA Institute for Advanced Concepts.
Running time 4:09 minutes.

The StarshadeWatch the Movie

Is there life on planets in other star systems? It's a very old question. But finding the answer may get simpler with a new invention by astrophysicist, professor and inventor Webster Cash.
Running time 5:55 minutes.

Flying On MarsWatch the Movie

To fly around on the surface of Mars, a traditional aircraft would need to travel at speeds of over 250 MPH just to stay aloft in the very thin atmosphere. Taking off and landing on the rocky terrain for sample inspection and gathering would be nearly impossible. So what’s one solution? Check this out.
Running time 2:32 minutes.

The Space SlingWatch the Movie

It's been described as "using the techniques of Tarzan" to move things through outer space. It's reusable and would dramatically reduce the cost of space missions. Scientists are working on it, NASA is funding it and The Futures Channel has been following it for the last two years. Want to help your students get in on the ground floor? Take five minutes to watch the movie and check out the Critical Thinking exercises below!
Running time 5:19 minutes.

Second Skin CapabilityWatch the Movie

With support from the NASA Institute for Advanced Concepts, MIT professor Dava Newman is designing a "second skin" spacesuit for exploring the Moon, Mars and beyond. Check it out.
Running time 4:30 minutes.

Revisiting The Moon

Watch the Movie

Evidence suggests there may be deposits of ice within craters at the poles of the moon. If this proves to be the case, Planetary Scientist Dr. Paul Spudis says it could possibly be “the most valuable piece of real estate in the solar system.” Find out why.
Running time 6:16 minutes.

A Cradle for Creativity and Innovation

Originally posted on The Futures Channel April 11, 2007

Leonard David

Author Leonard David

It is not often that you can get a glimpse of futures to come. I find it reassuring that creativity and innovation find a cradle at the NASA Institute for Advanced Concepts.

As a reporter covering space developments since the early “Sputnik” and “Space Age” days, getting an early whiff of things to come has always been a challenge. With the growth of NIAC – and its cultivating of revolutionary aeronautics and space concepts – I have always found the Institute a wellspring of new thought.

From advanced space suits and ways to look for other Earths to satellite formation flying and building a space elevator, NIAC has prompted and promoted an array of now “wild eyed” thoughts that may become standard operating procedure in the future.

NIAC is seeding the future today – a confidence building organization that has helped assure talented individuals get their minds and hands around the tomorrows yet to come.

Leonard David
Space Journalist

Teacher Perspectives

After our NIAC preview video debuted in 2005, we received tremendous response from educators. We asked them what they considered the single most important factor in getting students interested in math and science. Here is a selection of their responses.

"A dream of what could be. A vision of an exciting and better future in which they can participate."

"Stuff like this!!! Showing that “crazy” ideas are fun and doable. Love these short movies."

"A person who inspires them--teacher, parent, speaker, scientist, mathematician, even a biography. My brother knew from 3rd grade what he wanted to be but completed changed his focus in college because of his biology professor and became a PhD plant pathologist."

"More mentors, more movies that stimulate thought."

"Exposure to new ideas"

"Seeing the whole picture -- how everything is connected and part of the universe."

"Relevance to their lives, you must generate their excitement about the topic."

"Hands on activities that are connected to real life of students - relate to the news..."

"Showing them real life connections!"

"The love of math and science"