1998年に設立されたＮＡＳＡ先端概念研究所（NASA Institute for Advanced Concepts：NIAC)が閉鎖されることになった。この組織は、宇宙分野や航空分野で革新的な概念を発掘し提案に資金を提供することで、将来の有人宇宙探査の新しい目標を設定する目的で設立された。多くの概念がＮＡＳＡのミッションを展開し実現するために貢献してきた。
NASAは宇宙探査ビジョンを実現するための予算不足に直面している。そのためNIACプログラムも中止の追い込まれた。正式には２００７年８月３１日に閉鎖となる。今後、これまでの資産はUSRA（大学宇宙研究協会）ウェブサイトでアーカイブとして公開される。
(編集者コメント：この組織が設立される以前は、John Mankins率いる先端概念なんとか局というNASA内部の組織で超先端概念システム開発を行っていた。面白いアイディアを多く輩出してきたが、昨今NASAの予算削減と月面探査復活への執念から、他の宇宙ミッションの予算が次々と減額されている。残念なことである。下表はNIACが採用した提案プロジェクトの例である。現火星協会（Mars Society）会長のズブリン氏も提案していたというのも面白い。）
| Akin, David | Development of a Single-Fluid Consumable Infrastructure for Life Support, Power, Propulsion, and Thermal Control |
| Angel, Roger | A Deep Field Infrared Observatory Near the Lunar Pole |
| Angel, Roger | A Deep Field Infrared Observatory Near the Lunar Pole |
| Angel, Roger | PRACTICALITY OF A SOLAR SHIELD IN SPACE TO COUNTER GLOBAL WARMING |
| Bacon, David | Adaptive Observation Strategies for Advanced Weather Prediction |
| Bae, Young | A Contamination-Free Ultrahigh Precision Formation Flight Method Based on Intracavity Photon Thrusters and Tethers |
| Bae, Young | A Contamination-Free Ultrahigh Precision Formation Flight Method Based on Intracavity Photon Thrusters and Tethers: Photon Tether Formation Flight |
| Bekey, Ivan | Extremely Large Swarm Array of Picosats for Microwave/RF Earth Sensing, Radiometry, and Mapping |
| Bekey, Ivan | Assessment of the Feasibility of Extremely Large, Structureless Optical Telescopes and Arrays |
| Bickford, Jim | Extraction of Antiparticles Concentrated in Planetary Magnetic Fields |
| Bickford, Jim | Extraction of Antiparticles Concentrated in Planetary Magnetic Fields |
| Bogar, Thomas | Hypersonic Airplane Space Tether Orbital Launch System |
| Bonabeau, Eric | Customizable, Reprogrammable, Food Preparation, Production and Invention System |
| Boss, Wendy | Redesigning Living Organisms to Survive on Mars |
| Boss, Wendy | Redesigning Living Organism to Survive on Mars |
| Boston, Penelope | Scientific Exploration and Human Utilization of Subsurface Extraterrestrial Environments: A Feasibility Assessment of Strategies, Technologies and Test Beds |
| Boston, Penelope | System Feasibility Demonstrations of Caves and Subsurface Constructs for Mars Habitation and Scientific Exploration |
| Brown, Christopher | Programmable Plants: Development of an In Planta System for the Remote Monitoring and Control of Plant Function for Life Support |
| Buhler, Charles | Analysis of a Lunar Base Electrostatic Radiation Shield Concept |
| Campbell, Mark | Intelligent Satellite Teams for Space Systems |
| Carroll, Joseph | Space Transport Development using Orbital Debris |
| Cash, Webster | New Worlds Imager |
| Cash, Webster | THE NEW WORLDS IMAGER |
| Cash, Webster | X-ray Interferometry |
| Cash, Webster | X-ray Interferometry |
| Caulfield, H | 3D Viewing of Images on the Basis of 2D Images |
| Charania, A. | Networks on the Edge of Forever: Meteor Burst (MB) Communication Networks on Mars |
| Chirikjian, Gregory | An Architecture for Unmanned Self-Replicating Lunar Factories |
| Christensen, Cindy | Ultralight Solar Sails for Interstellar Travel |
| Colozza, Anthony | Planetary Exploration Using Biomimetics |
| Colozza, Anthony | Planetary Exploration Using Biomimetics |
| Colozza, Anthony | Solid State Aircraft |
| Colozza, Anthony | Solid State Aircraft |
| Crowe, Devon | Self-Deployed Space or Planetary Habitats and Extremely Large Structures |
| Cybenko, George | A Novel Information Management Architecture for Maintaining Long-Duration Space Crews |
| Ditto, Tom | Primary Objective Grating Astronomical Telescope |
| Dubowsky, Steven | Microbots for Large-Scale Planetary Surface and Subsurface Exploration |
| Dubowsky, Steven | Microbots for Large-Scale Planetary Surface and Subsurface Exploration |
| Dubowsky, Steven | Self-Transforming Robotic Planetary Explorers |
| Dubowsky, Steven | Self-Transforming Robotic Planetary Explorers |
| Edwards, Bradley | The Space Elevator |
| Edwards, Bradley | The Space Elevator |
| England, Christopher | Mars Atmosphere Resource Recovery System (MARRS) |
| Farritor, Shane | A Modular Robotic System to Support the Surface Operations of Human Mars Exploration |
| Fisch, Nathaniel | Optimal Navigation in a Plasma Medium |
| Fork, Richard | Efficient Direct Conversion of Sunlight to Coherent Light at High Average Power in Space. |
| Gilchrist, Brian | Scalable Flat-Panel Nano-Particle Propulsion Technology for Space Exploration in the 21st Century |
| Gilchrist, Brian | Scalable Flat-Panel Nanoparticle MEMS/NEMS Propulsion Technology for Space Exploration in the 21st Century |
| Gold, Robert | SHIELD: A Comprehensive Earth Protection System |
| Gorenstein, Paul | Ultra high Throughput X-Ray Observatory With a New Mission Architecture |
| Gorenstein, Paul | An Ultra High Throughput X-Ray Astronomy Observatory With A New Mission Architecture - Phase II |
| Grant, John | Hypersonic Airplane Space Tether Orbital Launch (HASTOL) Study - Phase II |
| Hawk, Clark | Plasma Pulsed Power Generator |
| Hodgson, Edward | A Chameleon Suit to Liberate Human Exploration of Space Environments |
| Hodgson, Edward | A Chameleon Suit to Liberate Human Exploration of Space Environments |
| Hoffman, Jeffrey | Use of Superconducting Magnet Technology for Astronaut Radiation Protection |
| Hoffman, Ross | Controlling the Global Weather |
| Hoffman, Ross | Controlling the Global Weather |
| Hoskins, Paul | An Advanced Counter-Rotating Disk Wing Aircraft Concept |
| Howard, Timothy | Planetary-Scale Astronomical Bench |
| Howe, Steven | Antimatter Driven Sail for Deep Space Missions |
| Howe, Steven | Enabling Exploration of Deep Space: High Density Storage of Antimatter |
| Howe, Steven | Antimatter Driven Sail for Deep Space Missions |
| Howe, Steven | Micro Asteroid Prospector Powered by Energetic Radioisotopes: MAPPER |
| Hoyt, Robert | Reduction of Trapped Energetic Particle Fluxes in Earth and Jovian Radiation Belts |
| Hoyt, Robert | Moon & Mars Orbiting Spinning Tether Transport (MMOSTT) |
| Hoyt, Robert | Tether Transport System for LEO-MEO-GEO-Lunar Traffic |
| Ignatiev, Alex | New Architecture for Space Solar Power Systems: Fabrication of Silicon Solar Cells Using In-Situ Resources |
| Jackson, Gerald | Antimatter Harvesting in Space |
| Jacobs, Ron | Biologically Inspired Robot for Space Operations |
| Kammash, Terry | Antiproton-Driven, Magnetically Insulated Inertial Fusion (MICF) |
| Kammash, Terry | Ultrafast Laser-Driven Plasma for Space Propulsion |
| Kammash, Terry | Ultrafast Laser-Driven Plasma for Space Propulsion |
| Kare, Jordin | High-Acceleration Micro-Scale Laser Sails for Interstellar Propulsion |
| Kare, Jordin | Modular Laser Launch Architecture: Analysis and Beam Module Design |
| Keith, Andy | Methodology for the Study of Autonomous VTOL Scalable Logistics Architecture |
| King, Lyon | Propellantless Control of Spacecraft Swarms using Coulomb Forces |
| Komerath, N | Tailored Force Fields: Phase 2 |
| Komerath, Narayanan | Tailored Force Fields for Space-Based Construction: Key to a Space-Based Economy |
| Kroo, Ilan | Meso-Scale Flight Vehicle for Atmospheric Sensing |
| Kroo, Ilan | The Mesicopter: A Meso-Scale Flight Vehicle |
| LaForge, Larry | Architectures and Algorithms for Self-Healing Autonomous Spacecraft |
| LaPointe, Michael | Formation Flying with Shepherd Satellites |
| LaPointe, Michael | Primary Propulsion for Piloted Deep Space Exploration |
| Landis, Geoffrey | Advanced Solar and Laser Pushed Lightsail Concepts |
| Lipson, Hod | Autonomous Self-Extending Machines for Accelerating Space Exploration |
| Lomax, Terri | A Flexible Architecture for Plant Functional Genomics in Space Environments |
| Lomax, Terri | Developing a Plant Genetic Assessment and Control System for Space Environments |
| Maclay, Jordan | Feasiblity of Communications Using Quantum Correlations |
| Maise, George | Exploration of Jovian Atmosphere Using Nuclear Ramjet Flyer |
| Maise, George | Exploration of Jovian Atmosphere Using Nuclear Ramjet Flyer |
| Maise, George | Multi-MICE: A Network of Interactive Nuclear Cryoprobes to Explore Ice Sheets on Mars and Europa |
| Manobianco, John | Global Environmental MEMS Sensors (GEMS): A Revolutionary Observing System for the 21st Century |
| Manobianco, John | Global Environmental MEMS Sensors (GEMS): A Revolutionary Observing System for the 21st Century |
| Marchese, Anthony | The Black Light Rocket (BLR) Engine |
| Mavroidis, Constantinos | Bio-Nano-Machines for Space Applications |
| Mavroidis, Constantinos | Protein Based Nano-Machines for Space Applications |
| McCormack, Elizabeth | Investigation of the Feasibility of Laser Trapped Mirrors in Space |
| McCormack, Elizabeth | Investigation of the Feasibility of Laser Trapped Mirrors in Space |
| McNutt, Ralph | A Realistic Interstellar Explorer |
| McNutt, Ralph | A Realistic Interstellar Explorer |
| Menges, Pamela | Artificial Neural Membrane Flapping Wing |
| Miller, David | Electromagnetic Formation Flight (EMFF) |
| Molnar, Peter | Self-Organized Navigation Control for Manned and Unmanned Vehicles in Space Colonies |
| Montemagno, Carlo | Directed Application of Nanobiotechnology for the Development of Autonomous Biobots |
| Morgan, Ricky | Wide Bandwidth Deep Space Quantum Communications |
| Newman, Dava | Astronaut Bio-Suit System for Exploration Class Missions |
| Newman, Dava | Astronaut Bio-Suit System for Exploration Class Missions |
| Nock, Kerry | Cyclical Visits to Mars via Astronaut Hotels |
| Nock, Kerry | Global Constellation of Stratospheric Scientific Platforms |
| Nock, Kerry | Global Constellation of Stratospheric Scientific Platforms |
| Nock, Kerry | Cyclical Visits to Mars via Astronaut Hotels |
| O'Handley, Douglas | System Architecture Development for a Self-Sustaining Lunar Colony |
| Ohi, Seigo | The Hematopoietic Stem Cell Therapy for Exploration of Space |
| Olds, John | The League of Extraordinary Machines: A Rapid and Scalable Approach to Planetary Defense Against Asteroid Impactors |
| Omidi, Nick | High Speed Interplanetary Tug/Cocoon Vehicles (HITVs) |
| Palisoc, Arthur | Large Telescope Using Holographically Corrected Membranes |
| Paniagua, John | Europa Sample Return Mission Utilizing High Specific Impulse Propulsion Refueled with Indigenous Resources |
| Pankine, Alexey | Sailing the Planets: Science from Directed Aerial Robotic Explorers |
| Pankine, Alexey | Planetary Science from Directed Aerial Robot Explorers |
| Paxton, Larry | Global Observations and Alerts from Lagrange-Point, Pole-Sitter, and Geosynchronous Orbits (GOAL&GO) |
| Pearson, Jerome | Lunar Space Elevators for Cislunar Space Development |
| Peck, Mason | In-Orbit Assembly of Modular Space Systems with Non-Contacting, Flux-Pinned Interfaces |
| Peck, Mason | Lorentz-Actuated Orbits: Electrodynamic Propulsion Without a Tether |
| Peck, Mason | Lorentz-Actuated Orbits: Electrodynamic Propulsion without a Tether |
| Phoenix, Chris | Large-Product General-Purpose Design and Manufacturing Using Nanoscale Modules |
| Powell, James | Development of Self-Sustaining Mars Colonies Utilizing the North Polar Cap and the Martian Atmosphere |
| Powell, James | Magnetically Inflated Cable (MIC) System for Space Applications |
| Rice, Eric | Advanced System Concept for Total ISRU-Based Propulsion & Power Systems for Unmanned & Manned Mars Exploration |
| Rice, Eric | Advanced System Concept for Total ISRU-Based Propulsion & Power Systems for Unmanned and Manned Mars Exploration |
| Rice, Eric | Development of Lunar Ice Recovery System Architecture |
| Ritter, Joe | Large Ultra-Lightweight Photonic Muscle Telescope |
| Rose, John | Achieving Comprehensive Mission Robustness |
| Sarkar, Nilanjan | A Novel Interface System for Seamlessly Integrating Human-Robot Cooperative Activities in Space |
| Schnopper, Herbert | Ultra-High Resolution Fourier Transform X-Ray Interferometer |
| Sedwick, Ray | Electromagnetic Formation Flight (EMFF) |
| Seward, Clint | Low Cost Space Transportation Using Electron Spiral Toroid (EST) Propulsion |
| Silver, Matthew | Bio-Electric Space Exploration |
| Slough, John | Plasma Magnetic Shield for Crew Protection |
| Slough, John | Rapid Manned Mars Mission With a Propagating Magnetic Wave Plasma Accelerator |
| Slough, John | The Plasma Magnet |
| Slough, John | The Plasma Magnet |
| Smith, Gerald | Positron Propelled and Powered Space Transport Vehicle for Planetary Missions |
| Soroushian, Parviz | Inherently Adaptive Structural Systems |
| Soroushian, Parviz | Inherently Adaptive Structural Systems |
| Stancil, Charles | Electric Toroid Rotor Technology Development |
| Starkman, Glenn | Ultrahigh Resolution X-Ray Astronomy using Steerable Occulting Satellites |
| Todd, Paul | Robotic Lunar Ecopoiesis Test Bed |
| Todd, Paul | Robotic Lunar Ecopoiesis Test Bed |
| Toth-Fejel, Tihamer | Modeling Kinematic Cellular Automata: An Approach to Self-Replication |
| Trotti, Guillermo (Gui) | Extreme eXPeditionary Architecture (EXP?Arch): Mobile, Adaptable Systems for Space and Earth Exploration |
| Tyll, Jason | Environmentally-Neutral Aircraft Propulsion Using Low-Temperature Plasmas |
| Ulmer, M. | Self Assembly of Optical Structures in Space |
| Van Buiten, Chris | Autonomous VTOL Scalable Logistics Architecture |
| Vaneck, Thomas | A System of Mesoscale Biomimetic Roboswimmers for Exploration and Search of Life on Europa |
| Voronka, Nestor | An Architecture of Modular Spacecraft with Integrated Structural Electrodynamic Propulsion (ISEP) |
| Voronka, Nestor | Modular Spacecraft with Integrated Structural Electrodynamic Propulsion |
| Wertz, James | High Resolution Structureless Telescope |
| Wettergreen, David | Planetary Circumnavigation |
| Williams, George | Spacecraft Propulsion Utilizing Ponderomotive Forces |
| Winglee, Robert | Magnetized Beamed Plasma Propulsion (MagBeam) |
| Winglee, Robert | Mini-Magnetospheric Plasma Propulsion |
| Winglee, Robert | Mini-Magnetospheric Plasma Propulsion, M2P2 |
| Woolf, Neville | Very Large Optics for the Study of Extrasolar Terrestrial Planets |
| Woolf, Neville | Very Large Optics for the Study of Extrasolar Terrestrial Planets |
| Woolsey, Craig | A Self-Sustaining, Boundary-Layer-Adapted System for Terrain Exploration and Environmental Sampling |
| Zhou, Guoqing | Architecture of Intelligent Earth Observation Satellite for Common Users in 2010-2050 |
| Zubrin, Robert | The Magnetic Sail |