NASA Needs Prize Contest Ideas

Michael Huang writes "If you like the idea of tech contests--think ANSARI X PRIZE and DARPA Grand Challenge--and you also like space, then NASA wants you. It needs ideas (and rules) for the Centennial Challenges, prize contests with $20 million funding in 2005. Current ideas (download Excel spreadsheet) include: Mars and asteroid microspacecraft missions, lunar robotic landing, robotic triathalon, rover survivor, Antarctic rover traverse and extreme environment computer. Wikipedia has good coverage."

I'm currently working on microspacecraft

[phats garage]

I live in an area with lots of tall pines. My plan is to make the worlds biggest slingshot. So far I'm a bit short of orbital velocity, so I might apply for some money to get better rubber bands.

Intelligent life in the universe

[theAmazing10.t]

How about proving there is intelligent life in the universe?

They could start by trying to prove there is some on the third planet from that G3 star near the edge of the Milky Way galaxy.

Lander Fear Factor!

[Himring]

Current ideas (download Excel spreadsheet) include: Mars and asteroid microspacecraft missions, lunar robotic landing, robotic triathalon, rover survivor, Antarctic rover traverse and extreme environment computer.

And Lander Fear Factor! The rover has to drink a wicked puree of something a rover would find revolting....

Re:Intelligent life in the universe

[XMyth]

After extensive searching, we've come to the conclusion that while there is an abundance of life on that planet, I wouldn't classify any of it as intelligent.

Begging for money

[NonSequor]

How about a contest to find the best method of begging congress for money? It pays for itself!

TV

[Anonymous Coward]

1. Start "Rover Survivor"
2. Sell the show to some TV channel.
3. Pay out Prize Money with the money from the TV-deal.
4. ?
5. Break Even!

Zip Zap + Model Rocket

[tbase]

You're welcome.

Re:Sustenance studies.

[SavedLinuXgeeK]

Promise me whatever happens, you won't let Pauly Shore into the biosphere... The results could be dire

I got one...

[mattgreen]

Why not a contest to see who can devise the best space-related contest, complete with rules. I think it would be positively groundbreaking!

They want a contest?

[rampant mac]

Come over to my house and identify what's growing on the bottom of my tub.

Re:What about...

[smatt-man]

What are you doing Dave?

Comment removed

[account_deleted]

Comment removed based on user account deletion

So, um ..

[Bitmanhome]

They're running a contest to find more contests? Will there be another contest to determine the prize for this contest?

Re:The ultimate prize...

[the real darkskye]

Just remember to call shotgun when presenting your designs.

I'll be here for 90 minutes then my weekend starts, try the shrimp.

Capture the Flag!

[Cornflake Man]

Hey, did'nt they leave a flag on the moon last time they were there?

Re:The prize that NASA really needs

[linzeal]

Does that include any tree sitting hippies? If so can you please come to Freshwater, California and clear ours out? Thank you.