The futuristic technologies that NASA could test in the next few years are truly formidable.
L'Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) of NASA, the program that funds studies in the "embryonic stage", has several novelties to show to the public. We can collect the most interesting ideas of the moment in six different blocks: 6 technologies that it is almost hard to imagine.
From asteroids to gigantic spacecraft
Among the most fascinating futuristic technologies, here is the RAMA project.
In short, the project aims to convert entire asteroids into huge autonomous spacecraft. Experts plan to use complex robotic processes to be able to transform asteroids into programmed automata.
The target? Reduce the costs of ground launches by ensuring that the technology is produced directly in space.
The shape-shifting robots
Of all the existing futuristic technologies, the shape-shifting ones are certainly among the most absurd.
The ability to change the look of a car quickly and efficiently still seems a long way off.
Still, NASA thinks it can do it in space.
In fact, the project of a flying amphibious robot, which can transform itself into different devices, has been funded. Is called Shapeshifter and is composed of several small units that manage to unite and detach.
The famous "shadow" of space
This time, we are talking about a discovery with an incredible scientific value.
NASA may have found a useful tool for astronomers: Starshade, a kind of "shadow" in space that blocks the glare of stars.
In other words, astronomers could dwell on the study of a single star, using the Starshade to block the light of all the others. Futuristic technologies of this type would allow us to closely observe what happens in space, keeping attention alive.
New smart spacesuits
Another fascinating project involves the construction of new spacesuits. Let's talk about the project SmartSuit, which points to an update of the current suits.
The new version will use soft robotic to create an extensible and self-healing layer of skin, with integrated sensors that collect and show data to the wearer.
At the moment, the suits are designed specifically for space missions to Mars.
The "cloth" for space cleaning
In space, there are about 100 million pieces of extraterrestrial debris at least 1 millimeter in size. Spacecraft could easily run into one of these debris and suffer considerable damage.
The project "The Brane Craft"aims to build a modern space cleaner.
The designed device is extremely thin, so much so that it can be compared to a sheet of paper. Its job is to wrap the debris into orbit, and then lower it to burn in the Earth's atmosphere.
The heart of futuristic technologies: breathable Martian air
If we really want to get to live on the red planet, we need to figure out how to make Martian air breathable.
Ivan Ermanovsky, a research professor at Arizona State University, is working on a portable oxygen generator.
His system uses a process called Thermal Swing sorption / desorption (TSSD), capable of generating oxygen starting from the Martian atmosphere.
If that works, humans could actually walk on Mars. An incredible project isn't it?
