COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT ON ASTROPHYSICS EXPLORER MISSIONS OF OPPORTUNITY | Apply Online

Opportunity Information: Apply for NNH12ZDA011J

NASA's Science Mission Directorate is announcing an upcoming opportunity for astrophysics investigations through its Astrophysics Explorers program. This program focuses on space science studies led by Principal Investigators (PIs), aimed at exploring the origin, structure, and fate of the universe, as well as the search for Earth-like planets.

A solicitation for Astrophysics Explorer Missions of Opportunity (MO) is expected to be released in late summer or early fall of 2012, attached to the NASA Announcement of Opportunity NNH12ZDA006O. Proposals will be sought for several types of missions including Partner MOs and missions using existing spacecraft. Specifically, investigations using Ultra Long Duration Balloons (ULDB) or the International Space Station can also be proposed. However, Partner MOs related to the European Space Agency's missions, Euclid or JUICE, are excluded.

The budget cap for an Explorer MO is anticipated to be $60 million for standard missions or $30 million for ULDB missions, in Fiscal Year 2013 dollars. NASA has enough funding to select and execute one standard MO or two ULDB missions. The policies for this solicitation are expected to be similar to previous announcements, with the note that NASA will cover costs related to ULDB balloon services outside the PI-managed budget.

The selection process will be straightforward, with proposals due 90 days after the release of the notice, and proposals open to a range of U.S. and non-U.S. organizations, including educational institutions and government agencies. Key dates include the release of the announcement in late summer/early fall 2012, a preproposal conference two weeks later, and selection expected by late spring 2013.

Interested parties can find further details on NASA's Explorer Program website, where updates will be posted. Questions can be directed to Dr. Wilton T. Sanders via email, and responses will be shared publicly, ensuring anonymity for those who inquire.

• The NASA Headquarters in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT ON ASTROPHYSICS EXPLORER MISSIONS OF OPPORTUNITY" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 43.001 Science.
• This funding opportunity was created on Jun 20, 2012 and posted on Jun 20, 2012.
• Applicants must submit their applications by N/A. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2025.)
• Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility.
• Unrestricted

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