NASA Issues RFI for Centennial Challenges

NASA is seeking private and corporate sponsors for the Centennial Challenges, a program of incentive prizes designed for the "citizen inventor" that generates creative solutions to problems of interest to NASA and the nation. NASA is looking for companies, organizations or individuals interested in sponsoring the non-profit allied organizations that manage the prize competitions. The Request for Information (RFI) was issued June 11, 2010.

Since 2005, NASA has conducted 19 competitions in six challenge areas and awarded $4.5 million to 13 different teams. Each of the challenges is managed by non-profit organizations in partnership with NASA. New challenges will be announced in 2010 and additional new challenges are expected in the years to follow. The topics may include, but are not limited to, the following technical areas: Energy Generation and Storage; Access to Space, Rocketry and Space Transportation; Robotics and Automation; Aeronautics; Earth and Space Science; Space Exploration; Life Sciences; Life Support, Habitation and Space Suit; Cryogenic Fluid Handling and Storage; Space Resources and Construction; Instruments and Sensors; and, Communications.