The late Pete
Conrad walked on the Moon during the
Apollo 12 mission and later became a space
technology innovator and entrepreneur. He
was a leader of the team, for example, that
developed and tested the DC-X/XA
reusable rocket demonstrator and he
also later founded the Universal
Space Networks and Universal
Spacelines companies.
To commemorate Conrad's accomplishments,
the Conrad
Foundation seeks to "energize and
engage students in science and technology
through unique entrepreneurial opportunities".
They just announced the opening of the
2008
Pete Conrad Spirit of Innovation Awards.
This program invites teams of high school
students across the US to compete in to
develop innovative concepts involving space
and energy:
The competition is engages high school
students in creating commercial products
using science and technology.
Students design products in personal
space flight, lunar exploration
and renewable energy. NASA’s call
for a human return to the moon and the
increased interest in space transportation
are the foundation of this year’s Conrad
Award aerospace challenges. In addition,
students will answer Al Gore’s energy
challenge to America, by using renewable
energy to change everyday life.
“This generation like every other generation,
has the ability to design its future.
Our award provides the resources for them
to do so,” said Nancy Conrad, wife of
the late Pete Conrad and founder of the
Conrad Foundation.
Students create unique products, produce
viable business plans, and are given opportunities
to bring their ideas to market. This competition
provides students with the ability to
network with scientists, university professors,
world business leaders, venture capitalists
and entrepreneurs. “Winning is just the
beginning,” said Nancy Conrad. “This competition
is the pipeline from education to industry.
We have not only created a program, we’re
driving a movement.”
(Emphasis mine.) Initial Submissions are
due January 9, 2009. to obtain further information
about the competition, see www.conradaward.org.
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