What’s next for NASA? 10 wild newly funded projects

August 19, 2012
moonbase

Lunar settlement, artist concept (credit: NASA)

What’s next for NASA now that Curiosity has touched down on Mars?

For a sneak peek into what the space agency has in store, take a look at the 28 proposals for the NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts program, which gives out awards of $100,000 and $500,000 for ideas that have the potential to “transform future aerospace missions.”

Here are 10 of the most fantastic projects that NASA hopes will be inspiring people long after Curiosity has finished exploring Mars, Time Techland reports.