Awarding Prizes for Space Innovation

Awarding Prizes for Space Innovation

Spurred in part by current enthusiasm for the $10 million X Prize for building and sending a manned rocket into space, NASA is considering adding inducement prizes to its portfolio.

RFF Senior Fellow Molly K. Macauley gave testimony to the U.S. Congress House of Representatives Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics on July 15, 2004, on the advantages and disadvantages of adding this method to the current system of peer-reviewed grants and procurement contracts.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Prizes in a Portfolio of Financial Incentives for Space Activities

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House Committee on Science Links

Media Advisory: Subcommittee to Examine Role of Contests and Prizes in Space Exploration

Hearing Charter: House Science Committee Hearing on NASA Aerospace and Prizes

Witnesses at House Science Committee Hearing Express Strong Support for Aerospace Prizes

Prepared Statement by Molly Macauley at a House Science Committee Hearing on NASA Aerospace Prizes (courtesy of SpaceRef.com)

Webcast of Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics Hearing on NASA Prizes (NOTE: The video is provided in one continuous segment. Committee and witness remarks occur at the timecodes below.)

Committee Remarks: 5:40

Witness Remarks:
- Rear Admiral Craig E. Steidle (Ret.) 19:50
- The Honorable Robert Walker 28:00
- Dr. Peter Diamandis 36:45
- Dr. Molly Macauley 43:10
- Dr. Douglas Holtz-Eakin 52:20

Question and Answer Session: 55:50