NASA announces tech grants for studying ‘light bending’ lunar power, space soil generation

Projects may proceed into additional phases.

Published: February 27, 2021 7:40pm

Updated: February 27, 2021 8:40pm

NASA announced this week a slate of grants awarded to various researchers who have proposed potential breakthrough space technologies that may further humanity’s exploration into the stars.

Among the proposals NASA announced it was funding include “a concept for generating and distributing power on the Moon,” one that would “capture, concentrate and focus sunlight using telescope optics" by way of "light bender" technology. 

Another project hopes to develop “a conceptual method for making soil in space using carbon-rich asteroids and fungi;” under that proposed system, “fungi would break down the material and turn it into soil to grow food and sustain large-scale deep-space habitats.”

NASA, which made the max-$125,000 grants under its Innovative Advanced Concepts program, stipulated that the proposals “are not considered and may never become NASA missions," though the space agency noted: “If their initial 9-month feasibility studies are successful, NIAC Fellows can apply for Phase II awards.”

 

The Facts Inside Our Reporter's Notebook

Unlock unlimited access

  • No Ads Within Stories
  • No Autoplay Videos
  • VIP access to exclusive Just the News newsmaker events hosted by John Solomon and his team.
  • Support the investigative reporting and honest news presentation you've come to enjoy from Just the News.
  • Just the News Spotlight

    Support Just the News