This is an open forum where anyone can add ideas they have for or about NASA. This is not an official NASA forum, but it is a way to openly get ideas and input for the agency.

1. Top Ideas
2. Hot Ideas
3. New Ideas
4. Accepted Ideas 1
5. Completed Ideas 1

1. 3 votes

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   NASA get increase budget and solve nuclear waste disposal problem

   NASA should look into the idea of becoming the nations answer to the nuclear waste disposal problem. So far, 90+ billion dollars have been wasted digging a hole in Yucca Mt. that may never be used as a depository. NASA should tap into that money stream and develope a program for lauching nuclea... more

   NASA should look into the idea of becoming the nations answer to the nuclear waste disposal problem. So far, 90+ billion dollars have been wasted digging a hole in Yucca Mt. that may never be used as a depository. NASA should tap into that money stream and develope a program for lauching nuclear waste into deep space. Funding for a project like this could come from both the public and private sector. The push is on to build more nuclear power plants in the U.S. and the amount of waste will only get greater. Also, its a more GREEN solution to the problem.

   by Doug Fitt | 0 comments
2. 1 votes

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   Consider a self propeled micro space station / tugboat / lifeboat. You know you want this.

   by Shard O'Glass | 1 comment
3. 1 votes

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   Rover solar array duster

   Dust was a major problem with all rover solar arrays. I propose the rotation of one or more of the wheels could also agitate a circular array of fluid bubbles. This could be connected to a thin polyurethane sheet that covers the arrays. This sheet should have a snake of thin tubes crimped into it... more

   Dust was a major problem with all rover solar arrays. I propose the rotation of one or more of the wheels could also agitate a circular array of fluid bubbles. This could be connected to a thin polyurethane sheet that covers the arrays. This sheet should have a snake of thin tubes crimped into its cross section. As the wheels turn the dust particles would be moved by a peristalsis effect. This could be only a few grams in payload weight and extend life expectancy.

   by colinslamon | 0 comments
4. 6 votes

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   Tesla wireless transmission should be reborned.

   It is and it was proved that the wireless transmittion of electricity works, based on a concept of Nikola Tesla. NASA could perfrom at least a small experiment in order to check if it is possible to send wireless energy into space or from it. Imagine power plants in the space, sending energy to t... more

   It is and it was proved that the wireless transmittion of electricity works, based on a concept of Nikola Tesla. NASA could perfrom at least a small experiment in order to check if it is possible to send wireless energy into space or from it. Imagine power plants in the space, sending energy to the earth, applications on Moon or other planets, energy transfer between earth and other planets. A small prototype could be investigated and tested for such purposes. If Tesla was once successful, why everybody forgets his achievements and simply cover them with a dust - despite the idea seem to be strange, it may be much more imporant than any of ionic engines which were developed up to date.

   by anonymous | 0 comments
5. 1 votes

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   Mars rover solar array duster

   Dust was a major problem with all rover solar arrays. I propose the rotation of one or more of the wheels could also agitate a circular array of fluid bubbles. This could be connected to a thin polyurethane sheet that covers the arrays. This sheet should have a snake of thin tubes crimped into it... more

   Dust was a major problem with all rover solar arrays. I propose the rotation of one or more of the wheels could also agitate a circular array of fluid bubbles. This could be connected to a thin polyurethane sheet that covers the arrays. This sheet should have a snake of thin tubes crimped into its cross section. As the wheels turn the dust particles would be moved by a peristalsis effect. This could be only a few grams in payload weight and extend life expectancy.

   by colinslamon | 0 comments
6. 4 votes

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   Fund NASA better by focusing on making money

   NASA needs money to do anything fun... Lets first have it focus on making money then it can fund its own HUGE missions. My idea is to have NASA focus on things that generate capitol. Examples. Operate a space elevator, Mine NEO's (average asteroid is thought to contain up to 7 trillion $US ... more

   NASA needs money to do anything fun... Lets first have it focus on making money then it can fund its own HUGE missions. My idea is to have NASA focus on things that generate capitol. Examples. Operate a space elevator, Mine NEO's (average asteroid is thought to contain up to 7 trillion $US in rare platinum group metals), Mine the moon for He3, etc. Also Develop climate change mitigation strategies to protect national capitol also. The key is to make NASA the best investment money can buy. Also end the exclusivity in NASA! It should be like the army where anyone can join and it can become stronger though recruitment. Let all the unemployed sign up and educate them in math and science then get them working the space elevator and saving the world...

   by Enok | 0 comments
7. 4 votes

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   STS Finale - 3 Shuttles to Mars

   STS Finale - 3 Shuttles to Mars

   by Michael J. Coppi, mjcoppi@cs.com, 01/02/09

   BASIC PLAN - BEFORE RETIRING THE STS FLEET [2011], USE THE SHUTTLES FOR A MANNED MISSION TO MARS

   Man on Mars by 2019

   As a former Aerospace Engineer with the Space Transportation System, I see no
   reason wh... more

   STS Finale - 3 Shuttles to Mars

   by Michael J. Coppi, mjcoppi@cs.com, 01/02/09

   BASIC PLAN - BEFORE RETIRING THE STS FLEET [2011], USE THE SHUTTLES FOR A MANNED MISSION TO MARS

   Man on Mars by 2019

   As a former Aerospace Engineer with the Space Transportation System, I see no
   reason why the U.S. [with minimal support from the International Space Station - ISS] cannot complete a manned Mars landing/return within ten years .

   Here's an outline - naturally there are details to work out, but this mission SHOULD BE viable [Orbiter Names are used arbitrarily].............

   OUTLINE

   i. Launch an unmanned vehicle carrying a 'canister' [CAN] of [approximately] 9-month [nominal length of trip to Mars] supply of food/water for 3-5 astronauts to low orbit.

   ii. Launch an unmanned vehicle carrying a booster rocket motor [BRM] into low orbit.

   'CAN' and 'BRM' are 'parked' together, possibly [preferably] docked-with/tethered-to ISS. See below [*] for alternative to BRM.

   1. Launch 'Discovery' from KSC pad 39A - in the cargo bay is an MEM [see below].

   MEM/Additional crew could also be pre-launched/picked-up at ISS.

   2. Discovery picks up CAN/BRM/MEM/Crew as necessary. MEM must go in cargo bay, 'CAN' is attached via a hatch/airlock for access en-route. 'BRM' is 'strapped on' for boost to Mars/course correction/insertion into Mars orbit.

   3. Atlantis is launched. Minimal [2] crew, payload [food/water for 9 months - crew of 2 to Mars, 9 months return - 7 astronauts] is pre-stowed in cargo bay and/or picked up in orbit like Discovery's 'CAN'. Also picks up a pre-launched 'BRM' [BRM X 2 = fuel to/from Mars].

   Atlantis is obviously the 'return from Mars' vehicle. Launched within days/weeks of Discovery from KSC pad 39B.

   4. Discovery arrives/orbits Mars, jettisons CAN &BRM. Fires existing onboard OMS [Orbital Maneuvering System] pods/enters Mars atmosphere, positioned to land at smoothest possible locale. Landing will be rough but upright and survivable. Perhaps oversized tires on retrofitted landing gear.

   5. After 2-week [+/-] excursion, launch MEM [Mars Exit Module - designed to carry crew from Mars surface to orbit] directly from cargo bay, meet Atlantis in Mars orbit, utilize Atlantis's double-capacity CAN & BRM for return to Earth, de-orbit as usual, land at Edwards AFB.

   6. Endeavour has been launched within a month of Discovery, and [with its own CAN/BRM] has followed Atlantis as backup/rescue. If unused, it can be fitted for a later Moon Return Mission [MRM]

   Why relegate retired Space Shuttles to eternity in a museum? Enterprise is already at the Smithsonian, as it should be [it was built as a prototype for glide/land tests WITHIN the atmosphere only]. The remainder of the fleet is spaceworthy, and that's exactly where they should spend their final days: IN SPACE.

   by Michael J. Coppi, mjcoppi@cs.com, 01/02/09

   Notes:

   Could be accomplished with two Shuttles [2 journey, 1 lands, 1 returns], or three [3rd as backup/rescue Mars Lander w/MEM]. Both or all three coupled together in "train" configuration with powering Shuttle at rear.

   The biggest argument might be Mars landing on uncleared ground but prior reconnaisance can easily choose a relatively barren area with just small rocks. Possibly even "ski"-type landing gear instead of wheels. Recall that landing is one-time only.

   * Perhaps a Mini-External-Tank [MET] as 'payload' in cargo bay of Discovery. Removed from bay in earth orbit [replaced with pre-launched MEM] and attached to the Mars-bound Shuttle [similarl to ET]. Main engines would then be available [greater thrust, throttleable and re-fireable for corrections and orbit insertion]. 'MET' option would remain in Cargo Bay of Atlantis/Endeavor with direct feed line to Main Engines.

   Copyright © 2009, Michael J Coppi
   909-370-3723, 626-447-9102
   .......................
   Addendum --

   Seed Mars!

   We must begin now to prepare Mars for future colonization by Humans.

   The 'search for life' program is now anticlimactic at best, moot at worst.

   Future probes should be deliberately "contaminated" with any and all organisms that have the slightest chance of surviving and taking root in the Martian environment.

   Life forms accustomed to Arctic/Anarctic locales are obvious prime choices.

   The simplest method of delivery would be to shield the probe for entry into the Martian atmosphere, then allow it to crash to the surface.

   More sophisticated soft landers could even provide nourishment and/or shelter for moss, grass, microbes, even insects.

   Terra-Forming efforts must start now!

   by Michael J. Coppi, mjcoppi@cs.com, 01/03/09

   --------------------------------------------------

   by mikecoppi | 0 comments
8. 2 votes

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   Seed Mars!

   Seed Mars!

   We must begin now to prepare Mars for future colonization by Humans.

   The 'search for life' program is now anticlimactic at best, moot at worst.

   Future probes should be deliberately "contaminated" with any and all organisms that have the slightest chance of survivin... more

   Seed Mars!

   We must begin now to prepare Mars for future colonization by Humans.

   The 'search for life' program is now anticlimactic at best, moot at worst.

   Future probes should be deliberately "contaminated" with any and all organisms that have the slightest chance of surviving and taking root in the Martian environment.

   Life forms accustomed to Arctic/Anarctic locales are obvious prime choices.

   The simplest method of delivery would be to shield the probe for entry into the Martian atmosphere, then allow it to crash to the surface.

   More sophisticated soft landers could even provide nourishment and/or shelter for moss, grass, microbes, even insects.

   Terra-Forming efforts must start now!

   by Michael J. Coppi, mjcoppi@cs.com, 01/03/09
   .......................
   Addendum --

   STS Finale - 3 Shuttles to Mars

   by Michael J. Coppi, mjcoppi@cs.com, 01/02/09

   BASIC PLAN - BEFORE RETIRING THE STS FLEET [2011], USE THE SHUTTLES FOR A MANNED MISSION TO MARS

   Man on Mars by 2019

   As a former Aerospace Engineer with the Space Transportation System, I see no
   reason why the U.S. [with minimal support from the International Space Station - ISS] cannot complete a manned Mars landing/return within ten years .

   Here's an outline - naturally there are details to work out, but this mission SHOULD BE viable [Orbiter Names are used arbitrarily].............

   OUTLINE

   i. Launch an unmanned vehicle carrying a 'canister' [CAN] of [approximately] 9-month [nominal length of trip to Mars] supply of food/water for 3-5 astronauts to low orbit.

   ii. Launch an unmanned vehicle carrying a booster rocket motor [BRM] into low orbit.

   'CAN' and 'BRM' are 'parked' together, possibly [preferably] docked-with/tethered-to ISS. See below [*] for alternative to BRM.

   1. Launch 'Discovery' from KSC pad 39A - in the cargo bay is an MEM [see below].

   MEM/Additional crew could also be pre-launched/picked-up at ISS.

   2. Discovery picks up CAN/BRM/MEM/Crew as necessary. MEM must go in cargo bay, 'CAN' is attached via a hatch/airlock for access en-route. 'BRM' is 'strapped on' for boost to Mars/course correction/insertion into Mars orbit.

   3. Atlantis is launched. Minimal [2] crew, payload [food/water for 9 months - crew of 2 to Mars, 9 months return - 7 astronauts] is pre-stowed in cargo bay and/or picked up in orbit like Discovery's 'CAN'. Also picks up a pre-launched 'BRM' [BRM X 2 = fuel to/from Mars].

   Atlantis is obviously the 'return from Mars' vehicle. Launched within days/weeks of Discovery from KSC pad 39B.

   4. Discovery arrives/orbits Mars, jettisons CAN &BRM. Fires existing onboard OMS [Orbital Maneuvering System] pods/enters Mars atmosphere, positioned to land at smoothest possible locale. Landing will be rough but upright and survivable. Perhaps oversized tires on retrofitted landing gear.

   5. After 2-week [+/-] excursion, launch MEM [Mars Exit Module - designed to carry crew from Mars surface to orbit] directly from cargo bay, meet Atlantis in Mars orbit, utilize Atlantis's double-capacity CAN &BRM for return to Earth, de-orbit as usual, land at Edwards AFB.

   6. Endeavour has been launched within a month of Discovery, and [with its own CAN/BRM] has followed Atlantis as backup/rescue. If unused, it can be fitted for a later Moon Return Mission [MRM]

   Why relegate retired Space Shuttles to eternity in a museum? Enterprise is already at the Smithsonian, as it should be [it was built as a prototype for glide/land tests WITHIN the atmosphere only]. The remainder of the fleet is spaceworthy, and that's exactly where they should spend their final days: IN SPACE.

   by Michael J. Coppi, mjcoppi@cs.com, 01/02/09

   Notes:

   Could be accomplished with two Shuttles [2 journey, 1 lands, 1 returns], or three [3rd as backup/rescue Mars Lander w/MEM]. Both or all three coupled together in "train" configuration with powering Shuttle at rear.

   The biggest argument might be Mars landing on uncleared ground but prior reconnaisance can easily choose a relatively barren area with just small rocks. Possibly even "ski"-type landing gear instead of wheels. Recall that landing is one-time only.

   * Perhaps a Mini-External-Tank [MET] as 'payload' in cargo bay of Discovery. Removed from bay in earth orbit [replaced with pre-launched MEM] and attached to the Mars-bound Shuttle [similarl to ET]. Main engines would then be available [greater thrust, throttleable and re-fireable for corrections and orbit insertion]. 'MET' option would remain in Cargo Bay of Atlantis/Endeavor with direct feed line to Main Engines.

   Copyright © 2009, Michael J Coppi, mjcoppi@cs.com
   909-370-3723, 626-447-9102

   --------------------------------------------------

   by mikecoppi | 1 comment
9. 4 votes

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   Fund NASA with MONEY MAKING MISSIONS and by letting anyone join!!

   I want an army for non violent NERDS.... In all seriousness though, we have 10-20% unemployment in America right now. We should be able to sign up and be educated for science just as we can for wars. We need a Science Army plain and simple. NASA atm gets no respect because it has always been... more

   I want an army for non violent NERDS.... In all seriousness though, we have 10-20% unemployment in America right now. We should be able to sign up and be educated for science just as we can for wars. We need a Science Army plain and simple. NASA atm gets no respect because it has always been the equivalent to tower sitting with science here and there. Its an Exclusive and Un-open Bureaucracy. The key is to open it up to everyone. Its gotta be inclusive if it wants to retain interest.
   I also think the future of space exploration is making it a profitable if not a break even investment. If NASA could focus on this, it could increase its own funding through recruitment, training, and missions. What type of missions? Running a commercial space elevator or precious metal recovery. Its been estimated an average size asteroid may contain up to 7trillion US$ in rare platinum group metals. Lets say the academy was able to get a tether on one of these neo's and slowly bring it into orbit around earth for mining. It could pay for itself and generate the funding needed for the colonization of the moon and space, not to mention help the current budget problems. It could better fund research on climate change mitigation and reduce the overall costs. The point is make money to fund huge missions/bold ideas instead of beg for money to fund small robotic ones. That will start the space age. Saving NASA and America from obscurity.

   by Enok | 0 comments
10. 3 votes

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    Coordinate Mars Sample Return with MSL

    Since the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) launch has been rescheduled for 2011, that timing may work well with the upcoming Mars Sample Return mission. Simply land the MSL rover on Mars as planned in 2012 and explore for a few years, gathering samples of most interest. The rover will have plenty... more

    Since the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) launch has been rescheduled for 2011, that timing may work well with the upcoming Mars Sample Return mission. Simply land the MSL rover on Mars as planned in 2012 and explore for a few years, gathering samples of most interest. The rover will have plenty of time to explore and find the most interesting samples. Then around 2014 or so, land the Mars Sample Return lander near the MSL rover location to receive the samples from MSL rover. Then blast off and return samples to Earth!

    by spacechimp | 0 comments
11. 1 votes

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    Magnetic Dehydration Protection Shield as a start?

    The magnetic field of the Earth plays a dramatic role in Earth’s dehydration process caused by the magnetic and paramagnetic interactions properties with water. The Earth’s Atmo -sphere has a direct correlation with these effects.

    -Solar wind is a wind that “dries” the Earth every day.

    ... more

    The magnetic field of the Earth plays a dramatic role in Earth’s dehydration process caused by the magnetic and paramagnetic interactions properties with water. The Earth’s Atmo -sphere has a direct correlation with these effects.

    -Solar wind is a wind that “dries” the Earth every day.

    -We must penetrate our research not to the symptoms anymore but to the cause.

    - The Drinking water horizon goes deeper daily, and the polar ice caps can no longer hold.

    This is a magnetic interaction.

    The possibility to reverse the climate change to a prior better condition via magnetic dehydration protection field is likely more to be possible via this process breakthrough rather than the Green measures we take as well.

    The 21st century healing technology Weaponry, especially to such a magnitude will be more important than nuclear forces.

    If you try to interpret latest data from Mercury, prior to Mars as well, in correlation also with the magnetic crust of water to Neutron stars, I think you will be able to understand better that this process is a natural phenomenon that has to be added in our local space weather, and then even to be correlated with vital biological signs footprints as a process for Astrobiological mapping sequence of the universe as we did it for our “local” DNA here in Earth.

    We will be in front of these new sciences soon, Magnetogenetics and Eschatological Physics.

    Life works.

    Gabriel

    by anonymous | 0 comments
12. 3 votes

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    Make solar powerd jet boosts on the Webb to explore the solarsystem up close!

    by ekologicznyrobot | 0 comments
13. 4 votes

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    Use a magnetic orbiting spacecraft to collect metal debris.

    I don't know if magnets even work in space, but if they do....

    Perhaps a "magnetic craft" could be used to fly around earth orbit and pick up any metallic debris.

    by kenhes | 0 comments
14. 2 votes

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    Permanent Orbiter Bay(POB)

    With the shuttle retirement close I believe nasa needs a platform in space with the capacity to dock with the CEV. I believe the POB can be low cost to develop because it can use the actual configuration of the payload bay of the shuttle to have the platform with the payload bay orbiting the eart... more

    With the shuttle retirement close I believe nasa needs a platform in space with the capacity to dock with the CEV. I believe the POB can be low cost to develop because it can use the actual configuration of the payload bay of the shuttle to have the platform with the payload bay orbiting the earth all the time. Nasa can use the same training and facilities use to train astronaut to do work in the bay of the shuttle. The POB can be control from the ground to seek and close range with the sat to be repair. I believe the bay can be close with the sat to be repair and inflate and create a presurised enviroment. I would like to have an answer from nasa about this idea.Thank you.

    MODERATOR UPDATE: This was written by Pedro Rodriguez: pedrorod_juniorpete@yahoo.com

    by anonymous | 1 comment
15. 3 votes

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    make a website where you can see how the hubble was built

    by anonymous | 0 comments
16. 4 votes

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    open public feed between mission control and space station

    open audio and video, no filtering, no delay, no splicing of data

    by Cory09 | 0 comments
17. 2 votes

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    create a think tank of scholars to deal with public disclosure

    Then disclose to the world what is really out there and where we are as humans in the scheme of things. Even if it debunks the entire history of religion on this planet.

    Let the info out and let us, as a race, move forward.

    by Cory09 | 0 comments
18. 1 votes

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    planet naming method

    I have an Idea about giving name of new planet ….
    It’s important to set a nomenclature rule for giving name of new planet.
    We can give name of new discovered planet on basis of there rotation period, g, mass of the planet etc.
    Or we can give relative name by comparing the new planet with earth.
    ... more

    I have an Idea about giving name of new planet ….
    It’s important to set a nomenclature rule for giving name of new planet.
    We can give name of new discovered planet on basis of there rotation period, g, mass of the planet etc.
    Or we can give relative name by comparing the new planet with earth.
    It’s important because in future when any space ship going side of any the planet then definite software will give a name for that planet. There no need to search in Database
    It’s also important who study about space and new planet.
    azam007@gmail.com

    by anonymous | 0 comments
19. 7 votes

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    IMPROVE THIS WEBSITE

    Why is it that this website is getting no updates, no articles, has no community because there is no advertising of it anywhere. Make a commercial, start a REAL public forum, add the ability to post pictures. You want this to work you gotta put some work in... I see NO reason to visit this web... more

    Why is it that this website is getting no updates, no articles, has no community because there is no advertising of it anywhere. Make a commercial, start a REAL public forum, add the ability to post pictures. You want this to work you gotta put some work in... I see NO reason to visit this website at all atm. Where are the people from NASA talking about what they want and need, talking to us so we can speak to our congress people. Where are the talks between NORMAL PEOPLE and NASA employees. It seems like you censor every post and or comment what the hell is open about that.. We all know a forum needs a moderator but when you call a site OPEN then PREMODERATE everything it defeats the point. I may never come back to this site after today but I will always care DEEPLY for my countries space program and just hope people will WAKE THE HELL UP.

    -Moderator if you have any self respect you will agree with me.

    **MODERATOR** I changed the title of this idea to be more constructive.

    by anonymous | 0 comments
20. 1 votes

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    So much talent, can we help healthcare also?

    If some of the brains at NASA could spend a little time looking at measuring subtle energy of the human body I am sure we could also help the health care field in many ways.

    by eleatlac | 0 comments