Bleeding Edge--NIAC Chooses 12 New Out There Projects

They might be happy if one in ten of the projects they fund makes it in the real world…because that project just might change the world. We talk with Jay Falker, Program Executive for the NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts Program about 12 crazy and not so crazy ideas that have just received early seed funding. They range from designing a spacecraft for hibernating astronauts to microbes that build you a home on Mars.  All our regulars also join us for yet another installment of the travel show that takes you to the final frontier.

Related Links

• The 2013 NIAC Phase 1 Project Selections
• Jay Falker and Other NIAC Staff
• BLOG: Curiosity's First Year on Mars: Where's the Science?

Trivia Contest

This week's prize is the NEW and stylish Planetary Radio T-shirt!

This week's question:
What were the two most recent mission launched specifically to explore Venus, and what have been their fates?

To submit your answer:
Complete the contest entry form at http:planetary.org/radiocontest or write to us at [email protected] no later than Monday, August 19th, at 2pm Pacific Time.  Be sure to include your name, mailing address and shirt size.

Last week's question:
What was the first object successfully recovered from orbit?

Answer:
The answer will be revealed next week.

Question from the week before:
What did the mission insignia for Skylab 2 say on it, other than the crewmembers names?

Answer:
Skylab 1