Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, June 28, 1990 TAG: 9006280144
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A14 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Los Angeles Daily News
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
In an effort to find a faster and cheaper way to return to the moon and send a manned rocket to Mars, the space agency is asking the public to send in their tips, designs or inventions about mission concepts, system designs, space power, automation, space processing and aspects of space travel.
"We're trying to reach . . . anyone who might have some good ideas," said Richard Reeves, NASA's assistant director for exploration.
The space agency has set up a toll-free telephone number for information on how to submit ideas. Callers who leave their addresses are then sent a response packet, which asks for a two-page summary of the idea. It is then mailed to the Rand Corp., the clearinghouse for all the responses.
So what happens if the Rand Corp. and NASA likes your idea? An invention of a specific piece of equipment might include negotiating a contractual agreement with NASA and its associates.
And a general idea? "There is no money involved for a good idea, but rest assured the country will be proud of you," Reeves said.
The toll-free number for ideas is (800) 677-7796. For additional information after receiving the response packet, call (800) 843-9620.
by CNB