WASHINGTON, Sept. 28 (UPI) -- The U.S. space agency says it's asking the public for help in compiling ideas for its Innovative Partnerships Program.
"For the next six weeks, ideas for new Centennial Challenge prize competitions may be proposed for NASA's consideration," officials said. "Creative ideas are sought from industry, colleges, universities, private organizations and the public. The ideas will be posted on the NASA Web site to stimulate additional creativity. Some selected proposals may be formulated into future prize competitions starting in 2010, pending availability of prize purse funding."
The Centennial Challenge is a NASA program that awards cash prizes to independent inventors for significant advances in technologies of interest to NASA and the nation. The program encourages innovation throughout the private sector, including small businesses, college/university teams and individuals.
Centennial Challenges address such fields as robotic lunar excavation, super-efficient aircraft, reusable rocket-powered vehicles, wireless power transmission, super-strength materials and improved astronaut gloves.
Ideas must be received by Nov. 8 for consideration. Instructions about how to submit ideas are available at http://www.nasa.gov/offices/ipp/innovation_incubator/cc_future.html.
