Red Planet Capital
NASA Request for Information: Venture Capital Project (“Red Planet Capital”)
“… Several federal agencies have already established programs that address these challenges through venture funds. For example, the CIA and Army/SoCom respectively created the In-Q-Tel and OnPoint Funds. In order for NASA to specifically focus on entrepreneurial innovation in support of its mission objectives, the Agency has laid the foundation for a private equity investment vehicle (working name “Red Planet Capital”) aimed at early-stage companies.”
Innovative Partnerships Program, Lisa Lockyer, Acting Deputy Director, Innovative Partnerships, October 20, 2005 (PDF)
Red Planet Capital focus:
- Nanotechnology
- Robotics
- Intelligent Systems
- High-speed networking and communication
Current Mission Needs Statements:
- Innovative Human Enhancements for Exploration
- Water Recycling, Reuse, Reduction
- In Situ Fabrication of Replacement Parts Technology
- Environmental Monitoring, Control and Revitalization
- Communications and Data Systems
