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ROSES 2008 LASER (Lunar Advanced Science and Exploration Research) - FAQs

What is ROSES 2008 LASER?

ROSES 2008 Lunar Advanced Science and Exploration Research (LASER) is a program element within NASA's broader Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences 2008 (ROSES 2008) solicitation. ROSES 2008 was issued as NASA Research Announcement (NRA) NNH08ZDA001N by NASA Headquarters under the Science Mission Directorate. LASER specifically targets research and technology that advance lunar science and exploration-related objectives.

How does LASER relate to the larger ROSES 2008 solicitation?

LASER is one of many program elements under the ROSES 2008 umbrella. ROSES 2008 is designed to fund a wide range of basic and applied research and technology development aligned with NASA science priorities across Earth Science, Heliophysics, Planetary Science, and Astrophysics. LASER sits alongside other program elements that address related space and Earth science needs, but LASER's focus is lunar science and exploration.

What types of activities and projects does ROSES 2008 generally support?

ROSES 2008 is intentionally broad and can support activities across the full pipeline from scientific understanding to mission-enabling capability. Eligible work described in the solicitation includes theory, modeling, and analysis of NASA science data; investigations using aircraft, stratospheric balloons, and suborbital rockets; development of experimental techniques and methods for future space missions; early concept development for future missions; and advancement of technologies relevant to upcoming Science Mission Directorate missions.

Does ROSES 2008 include laboratory and sample-related research?

Yes. NASA includes laboratory and analytical work on samples, including extraterrestrial materials returned by spacecraft as well as terrestrial samples used to validate or support mission observations. ROSES 2008 also includes work to determine atomic and compositional parameters needed to interpret space-based measurements and returned samples.

Is Earth science included in ROSES 2008?

Yes. While LASER focuses on lunar science and exploration, the broader ROSES 2008 umbrella also highlights Earth science activities, including Earth surface observations and field campaigns, integrated Earth system modeling, and applied information systems that translate research data into societal benefit.

What funding amounts are possible under ROSES 2008?

Funding levels vary widely by program element and project scope. NASA indicates awards may range from under $100,000 per year for smaller, focused efforts (such as data analysis) to more than $1,000,000 per year for large, intensive activities (such as developing science experiment hardware). Total funding availability depends on the specific element, with some elements having budgets under $1 million and others ranging into several million dollars.

How many awards might NASA make?

The number of awards depends on the objectives and the quality of proposals received, as well as the budget available for the specific program element. NASA indicated that the available budgets allow selection from a handful to several dozen meritorious proposals, depending on the element.

What is the typical period of performance?

Typical periods of performance are about four years, although some ROSES program elements may specify shorter or longer durations.

What funding mechanisms does NASA expect to use for ROSES 2008 awards?

NASA expected to use multiple mechanisms depending on the proposer and the nature of the work. These include grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and inter- or intra-agency transfers.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broadly open and essentially unrestricted by organization type. Universities, companies, nonprofits, NASA centers, JPL, and other government agencies may apply. Both domestic and foreign organizations can participate, subject to specific policy conditions described for non-US participation.

Can non-US organizations participate?

Yes, foreign organizations can participate. However, NASA notes a key condition: investigations involving non-US organizations must be conducted on a "no exchange of funds" basis. In other words, NASA generally will not transfer funds to foreign organizations even if they collaborate scientifically.

Where is the opportunity managed and submitted?

The opportunity is managed through NASA's NSPIRES system and, in some cases, through Grants.gov. Proposals were required to be submitted electronically.

When was ROSES 2008 expected to become available?

ROSES 2008 was expected to be available around February 15, 2008 via the NASA Research Opportunities homepage and NSPIRES.

Were Notices of Intent (NOIs) required?

For most program elements, NASA requested electronic Notices of Intent. Early NOI due dates began March 14, 2008. Because requirements can vary by element, applicants were directed to the specific program element information for details.

When were proposals due for ROSES 2008?

Proposal due dates were staggered by program element, beginning May 9, 2008 and extending through March 27, 2009.

What were the posted and closing dates shown for the LASER element in the Grants.gov record?

The LASER entry in the provided source data shows a posted date of July 30, 2008, an original closing date of October 3, 2008, and an updated closing date of November 7, 2008. The archive date is listed as December 7, 2008.

How do applicants find the right ROSES program element on Grants.gov?

NASA directed applicants to search Grants.gov by the funding opportunity number NNH08ZDA001N to pull up the list of all posted elements, then download the correct application package associated with the selected element.

How must proposals be submitted?

Applicants were required to submit proposals electronically. Submissions had to be made by an authorized organizational representative.

What registrations were required to submit?

Registration requirements were emphasized. Organizations had to be registered in NSPIRES (and also in Grants.gov if applying through that portal). Authorized submitters had to be identified, and all investigators and co-investigators needed NSPIRES registrations well before deadlines.

Who should applicants contact with questions?

Questions about individual program elements were to be directed to the relevant program officers listed in each element's summary of key information. General policy and procedural questions for the overall NRA were directed to Dr. Max Bernstein, Senior Advisor for Research and Analysis at NASA's Science Mission Directorate (as noted in the announcement).

What is the main purpose of ROSES 2008 in plain terms?

ROSES 2008 is meant to fund a wide spectrum of NASA-aligned research and technology development, ranging from targeted data analysis through development and maturation of hardware or techniques that could support future missions. LASER is the portion of ROSES 2008 aimed specifically at lunar science and exploration progress.