NASA has announced a series of futuristic space technology concepts that they’ve selected for further development. The futuristic space technology includes” an interesting bird-like inflatable drone that could be sent to Venus to study its atmosphere and weather patterns from afar, according to Interesting Engineering.
NASA’s new bird-like drone is part of NASA’s Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) program. The program’s purpose is to fund early-stage studies to evaluate technologies that could support future aeronautics and space missions.
“As we set our sights on ever more challenging destinations for exploration with humans and robots, innovative ideas and future thinking will be critical to helping us reach new milestones,” NASA’s Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy said.
“Concepts like those being studied with this new round of NIAC funding are helping us expand the scope of the possible so we can make it a reality,” Melroy added.
“NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) at the agency’s headquarters in Washington. “Studying these creative ideas is the first step to turn science fiction into science fact.”
“As in years past, our new group of NIAC fellows showcases the creativity and vision of the space community at large,” said Michael LaPointe, acting program executive for the NIAC program at NASA Headquarters.
