They are all advanced concepts being investigated by NASA that may shape the future of aeronautics, Earth research and space exploration 40 years into the future.

Scientists researching these concepts and more will gather June 6-7 at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. for the annual meeting of the NASA Institute for Advanced Concepts (NIAC). Twenty-seven scientists and engineers from around the United States who have won competitive solicitations for their ideas will report on the status of their work.

"These advanced concepts are new, imaginative and aimed at becoming aerospace missions in the time frame of 10 to 40 years in the future," said NIAC Director Dr. Robert Cassanova. "I believe some of the exciting and innovative concepts that will be reported on at the annual meeting have the potential of revolutionizing aerospace transportation and space exploration."

The June 6-7 second annual meeting is the status report on the 16 Phase I grants and 11 Phase 2 contracts awarded by the NIAC over the last year. Each currently funded NIAC grant or contract recipient will present a technical status summary of his or her advanced concept.

The concepts are broadly grouped into categories such as aeronautics platforms, space propulsion, astronomy, biology, communication, Earth science platforms, in situ utilization, planetary colonization and robotics.

For example, a team led by researchers at Stanford (Calif.) University propose to build the '"mesicopter," a centimeter-size electric helicopter designed to stay airborne while carrying its own power supply. Mesicopters could be used for atmospheric science, permitting in-situ measurements of meteorological phenomena such as downbursts and wind shear, and with unique capabilities for planetary atmosphere studies.

The NIAC has awarded grants to a number of groups studying advanced propulsion systems. A researcher with the University of Washington-Seattle is examining the feasibility of using the energy from solar plasma to accelerate payloads to much higher speeds than can be attained by present chemical propulsion systems.

Another concept by a researcher from Global Aerospace Corporation, Altadena. Calif., envisions small, highly autonomous, solar electric propelled space ships, called "Astrotels" (for astronaut hotels) operating between the Earth, Moon and Mars. An investigator from Eureka Scientific, Los Alamos, N.M., is exploring a "space elevator," which uses a cable strung from Earth to beyond geosynchronous orbit to provide access to space.

Several proposals could have a dramatic impact on transportation and the environment. Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Stratford, Conn., is studying a fully autonomous logistics architecture that uses Vertical Take-Off and Landing aircraft to revolutionize cargo handling and shipping along the northeast corridor of the United States, from Washington, D.C., to Boston.

A researcher with GASL, Inc. Ronkonkoma, N.Y. is working to develop a concept for low-temperature plasma system that could possibly eliminate nitric oxides emitted by subsonic aircraft.

A researcher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston has a grant to study self-transforming planetary explorers -- systems that are able to autonomously change their physical and software structure to meet the challenges of its environment and task.

Based on sensor information and on-board models and analysis, the system would autonomously transform itself into the "best" configuration to meet the local challenges.

Physical Sciences Inc. Andover, Mass., has a grant to study small, autonomous robotic "swimmers" that would explore the oceans and search for marine ecosystems on the Jovian moon Europa.

The Ohio Aerospace Institute in Cleveland is examining the use of "entomopter" (robotic bugs with a one-meter wingspan) to fly through the thin Martian atmosphere and explore the planet.

Major advances in astronomy are other areas of study. A scientist at L'Garde Inc. Tustin, Calif., is studying the construction of a large telescope that uses holographic procedures to correct for surface imperfections in the primary mirror.

Other grants have been awarded to examine very large optical telescopes able to view Earth-like planets with exceptional detail and significantly advance current X-ray telescope technology beyond the current state of the art.

A number of investigations are related to breakthrough technologies for human and robotic exploration of other planets. A researcher with Dynamac Corporation in Rockville, Md., is studying the feasibility of developing genetically engineered and remotely controlled plants that can provide the air, water, food, fiber, pharmaceuticals, chemical feedstock and other materials needed to sustain humans beyond Earth.

Another proposal would use unexplored, scientifically valuable Earth caves to demonstrate technologies that would be employed in the exploration of other planets.

Other grants have been awarded to explore self-sustaining lunar colonies and Martian colonies, investigate using Mars' own atmosphere to produce oxygen, water and other valuable products for human and robotic missions to the planet, and study the use of indigenous resources present on planets to fabricate solar cells.

Since its inception in 1998, the NIAC has awarded 46 Phase I grants of $50,000 to $75,000 for six months to validate the viability of the proposed concept and definition of major feasibility issues. Eleven Phase II contracts of up to $500,000 and two years have been awarded to study the major feasibility issues associated with cost, performance, development time and key technology issues.

NASA awarded a $10.9 million contract to the Universities Space Research Association in February 1998 to establish and manage the NASA Institute for Advanced Concepts.

Through a series of open solicitations over the life of the contract, the NIAC will seek proposals from the science and engineering community to develop revolutionary, advanced concepts in aeronautics and space. Goddard provides NASA oversight, technical assistance and administrative support.