"NASA's 2024 Breakthrough Missions: From Venus Samples to Interstellar Probes"

NASA has awarded funding to 13 innovative space technology concepts through its NIAC program, supporting early-stage technology ideas for future missions to Venus, Mars, and beyond our solar system. The concepts include a Venus sample-return mission, an advanced airborne mission on Mars, and sending spacecraft to explore our nearest interstellar neighbor, Proxima Centauri. The diverse projects range from autonomous tritium-powered sensors for exploring dark environments on the moon to a network of telescopes on the moon and water-splitting technology. The funding allows recipients to further develop and test their concepts for potential future missions.