A technological "moonshot" is an ambitious and ground-breaking project undertaken without any expectation of near-term profitability or benefit. It rarely involves a full investigation of potential risks and consequences. 

As we approach the 50th anniversary of the moon landing (July 16, 1969), it might be good to recall the original moonshot. Editors of U.S. News & World Report commenting on the moonshot they had just witnessed wrote, “So staggering is today’s rate of change that nothing stays as it is for long. Man is progressing so rapidly that things no longer move gradually. They leap. They soar. They bring the future tumbling upon us.” 

The first moonshot was truly a stunning achievement.

This issue of Energy Today highlights a few of today's energy moonshots. When reading, think about historical context that shapes tomorrow's innovations: What energy innovation today will be this generation's moon-landing of 50 years ago?

Not all moonshots are successful. Indeed, most aren't. Be sure to read the featured article by the 2016 Energy Writer of the Year, Mark Mills, who reminds us that moonshots are rare, nearly impossible, and exact a heavy toll - especially when they fail to deliver on the hope and promise of a better tomorrow.
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Recommended Articles

Making Technological Miracles

Featured story: Bill Gates wants an energy miracle. And he’s willing to put his prestige and a lot of money — as much as $2 billion — behind that pursuit. But what can truly be expected? What is possible? What is reasonable? What is necessary? Or is pursuit of a moonshot a fool's errand?


See also: Mark Mills, Energy Writer of the Year, 2016

The New Nuclear

Walking with Michl Binderbauer into his 2-acre nuclear fusion laboratory feels a bit like taking a factory tour with Willy Wonka. In one corner is a new machine that is blasting neutron beams. Engineers huddle in a control room. Beyond their window: Norman. 

See also: Nuclear Power's Cloudy Future

Best In Snow

What if the snowfall in winter had a hidden benefit - that it could provide power to heat our homes? A new device, called a snow-based "nanogenerator" is designed to create electricity from falling snow.
 
See also: Grid Storage in the 1830s

Plastic Do-Over

Light yet sturdy, plastic is great – until you no longer need it. Because plastics contain various additives, like dyes, fillers, or flame retardants, very few plastics can be recycled without loss in performance or aesthetics. 

However, a new recyclable plastic may break this waste cycle.

See also: We Made Plastic. Now We're Drowning In It

Transportation, Jetson's Style
By the American Energy Society 

The Jetsons, with their flying cars and automated lifestyles, set high expectations of future air travel for most kids who grew up with the comic. However, George Jetson’s aerocar was not a good predictor of future technology. New, cheap electric propulsion technologies are passing the Jetson's science fiction vision of future travel.

See also: A New Era of Energy Innovation

News from the Society

The Editors of Energy Today welcome submissions of original articles for publication consideration. Please contact the editorial staff by email with questions or attach the proposed article as a Word document.