NASA Funds 18 Asteroid Retrieval Concepts

摘要

NASA is getting some help in mapping out its ambitious asteroid capture mission. The space agency has awarded a total of $4.9 million to 18 proposals that could advance and flesh out the asteroid retrieval plan, which aims to drag a space rock into orbit around the Moon for future visitation by astronauts, officials announced June 19. "By investing in these studies, NASA will gain valuable insight into affordable ways to perform the Asteroid Redirect Mission while also advancing technologies needed to drive future exploration missions," James Reuther, deputy associate administrator for space technology at NASA headquarters in Washington, said in a statement.