ROSES25: D.6 Astrophysics Research and Analysis

The Astrophysics Research and Analysis Program is administered by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration through its Science Mission Directorate, specifically the Astrophysics Division. This program is part of NASA’s broader Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences solicitation and is designed to support fundamental research and technology development that advances the agency’s astrophysics missions. The program aligns with long-term strategic priorities identified in the Decadal Survey for Astronomy and Astrophysics and emphasizes open science, peer-reviewed research, and transparency in scientific outcomes. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to solicit proposals for basic and applied research that contributes to NASA’s understanding of the universe across multiple domains, including electromagnetic radiation, gravitational waves, and particle astrophysics. The program supports a wide range of investigations including detector development, suborbital and CubeSat missions, laboratory astrophysics, and supporting technologies. These activities are intended to advance the readiness of scientific instruments and methodologies for future space missions while also contributing to current scientific knowledge. Funding under this program supports projects that typically last up to four years, with certain categories such as suborbital and CubeSat investigations eligible for up to five years of support. The scope of allowable activities includes payload development, instrument testing, data analysis, and dissemination of scientific results. Specific funding caps vary depending on the category of proposal. For example, suborbital investigations may not exceed $10 million, while CubeSat proposals are limited to $5 million in this cycle. Additional pilot opportunities exist for technology maturation flights with funding limits of $1 million per year for up to two years. Eligibility for this program is broad and includes U.S.-based institutions such as universities, nonprofit organizations, for-profit entities, and government laboratories. International collaborators may participate as co-investigators when their contributions are essential, provided appropriate documentation is included. Applicants must submit proposals electronically through the NSPIRES system and comply with strict formatting, anonymization, and documentation requirements, including submission of a mandatory Notice of Intent prior to the full proposal. The application process involves multiple steps, beginning with the submission of a Notice of Intent, followed by a full proposal that includes a scientific and technical narrative, budget documentation, and supporting materials such as an Open Science and Data Management Plan. Proposals are evaluated using a dual-anonymous peer review process, which assesses intrinsic merit, relevance to NASA’s goals, and cost reasonableness. Additional evaluation criteria include the advancement of technology readiness levels and the development of early-career researchers. Key deadlines for this opportunity include a mandatory Notice of Intent due June 25, 2026, and a full proposal submission deadline of August 6, 2026. Awards are expected to begin on or after January 1, 2027, depending on the applicant’s institutional affiliation. The program is part of an annual solicitation cycle, and applicants should anticipate similar opportunities in future years. Contact for the program is provided through NASA Headquarters, with David C. Morris serving as the primary point of contact for inquiries related to this funding opportunity.

Ensure strict compliance with anonymization rules; align proposal with NASA astrophysics priorities; emphasize technology readiness advancement and scientific merit