ROSES25: D.7 Strategic Astrophysics Technology

The Strategic Astrophysics Technology program is administered by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration within its Astrophysics Division to support the advancement of critical technologies needed for future spaceflight missions. This program aligns with priorities identified in the 2020 Decadal Survey in Astronomy and Astrophysics, which outlines scientific and technological goals for the coming decade. The initiative is designed to mature promising technologies to a level where they can be integrated into major NASA missions, particularly those focused on understanding the origins of the universe, the formation of galaxies and stars, and the detection and characterization of exoplanets. The program specifically emphasizes technologies relevant to future flagship missions operating in X ray and Far Infrared wavelengths, as well as potential probe class missions. The primary objective of the program is to support the progression of technologies from Technology Readiness Level three through six. This involves moving beyond proof of concept into validated prototypes that can function in relevant environments. Proposals must clearly demonstrate an existing level of feasibility and provide a structured plan for advancing the technology through measurable milestones. NASA encourages projects that address mission critical needs and align with identified technology gaps, particularly those that could influence the prioritization of future missions in upcoming decadal surveys. Technologies that may also support time domain astronomy, multimessenger observations, or broader NASA initiatives such as Artemis are strongly encouraged. Funding under this program is intended to support the development and validation of technology components rather than basic research or mission specific hardware deployment. While there is no strict cost cap for individual proposals, the anticipated total program budget for the first year of new awards is approximately five million dollars, with NASA expecting to fund around eight projects. Awards may span up to three years, during which recipients are required to demonstrate measurable progress toward defined technical milestones. Funding may be used for research activities, development of prototypes, testing in relevant environments, and associated analytical work necessary to validate performance. Eligibility for this opportunity includes a range of institutions capable of conducting advanced technological research, including universities, nonprofit research organizations, private sector entities, and government affiliated research facilities. Proposals must focus exclusively on technologies relevant to the specified mission categories and must not duplicate efforts under other NASA programs or focus on unrelated mission classes such as CubeSats or non strategic missions. Early career researchers may apply for an associated fellowship opportunity if they meet specific criteria, including having received a doctoral degree after January 1, 2018 and serving in a principal or leading role on the project. The application process involves submission through NASA’s NSPIRES system and requires strict adherence to formatting and anonymization guidelines due to the use of dual anonymous peer review. Proposers must submit an anonymized main proposal along with a separate document detailing expertise and resources. A Notice of Intent is strongly encouraged prior to full proposal submission to assist NASA in organizing the review process. Required proposal components include a detailed work plan, milestone definitions, technical validation methods, and supporting documentation outlining the pathway to achieving the proposed technology advancement. Evaluation of proposals is conducted through a dual anonymous peer review process followed by an enhanced review of team qualifications and available resources. Review criteria include the technical merit of the proposal, the feasibility of achieving milestones, and the alignment with NASA mission needs. Selected projects must comply with reporting requirements, including annual progress reports, milestone documentation, and potential presentations to program offices. Final reports and documentation are often made publicly available to support transparency and knowledge sharing. Key dates for the program include a requested Notice of Intent submission by June 25, 2026 and a full proposal deadline of August 6, 2026. Awards are expected to begin no earlier than January 1, 2027. While the program is part of an ongoing NASA initiative and may recur annually, proposers are advised to consult updated solicitations each cycle due to evolving priorities and requirements. Program contacts are provided for specific scientific areas as well as a central point of contact within NASA Headquarters for general inquiries.

Focus on clearly demonstrating existing TRL level and a realistic path to advancement; align proposal with specific mission needs and technology gaps; ensure strict compliance with anonymization and formatting requirements; define measurable milestones and validation methods