ROSES 2009 Remote Sensing Theory | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): ROSES 2009 Remote Sensing Theory (NASA)

1) What is "ROSES 2009 Remote Sensing Theory"?

It is a program element under NASA's Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences 2009 (ROSES 2009) solicitation. ROSES 2009 was issued as a NASA Research Announcement (NRA) NNH09ZDA001N through NASA Headquarters, and it invites proposals for research and related work that supports NASA's Science Mission Directorate.

2) Is this opportunity limited only to remote sensing theory?

No. While the title references "Remote Sensing Theory," it sits within a broad umbrella solicitation (ROSES 2009) that spans many research activities across NASA science. Remote sensing theory proposals are typically aligned with theoretical, modeling, and analytical advances that improve how observations from space- and airborne-based sensors are collected, interpreted, and applied.

3) Which NASA science areas does ROSES 2009 support?

ROSES 2009 supports NASA's Science Mission Directorate across four major research areas: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Planetary Science, and Astrophysics.

4) What types of work are generally within the scope of this solicitation?

The scope is intentionally broad and includes basic and applied research and enabling technology work such as theory development, modeling, and analysis of NASA science data; investigations using aircraft, stratospheric balloons, and suborbital rockets; development of new experiment techniques and instrument concepts for future missions; and advanced technologies relevant to NASA science missions.

5) What kinds of topics fit a "remote sensing theory" effort under ROSES 2009?

Based on the description provided, a remote sensing theory effort would typically emphasize foundational advances such as retrieval theory, radiative transfer, inversion methods, uncertainty quantification, sensor modeling, data assimilation concepts, or other analytical frameworks that increase the scientific value of remote sensing measurements.

6) Does the solicitation include laboratory or sample analysis work?

Yes. The scope includes laboratory analysis methods for extraterrestrial samples returned by spacecraft and related terrestrial sample studies that help validate or interpret remote observations, as well as determination of key atomic and compositional parameters needed to analyze spaceflight data and samples.

7) What Earth-focused activities are included in the scope?

On the Earth-focused side, the solicitation supports Earth surface observations and field campaigns tied to NASA missions, integrated Earth system model development, and systems that translate Earth science research results into societal applications and usable information systems aligned with NASA objectives and datasets.

8) How much funding is available per award?

Funding levels vary widely depending on what is proposed. NASA describes awards ranging from under $100,000 per year for smaller, focused efforts (such as targeted data analysis) to more than $1 million per year for large-scale activities (such as development of science hardware or other extensive work).

9) How much money is available overall?

The amount available differs by program element, generally from less than $1 million up to several million dollars. As a result, each element may fund anywhere from only a few proposals to several dozen, depending on budgets, program priorities, and the quality of submissions.

10) What funding mechanisms may NASA use for awards?

Awards may be issued through multiple mechanisms, including grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and inter- or intra-agency transfers. The specific mechanism depends on the type of organization applying and the needs of the program.

11) What is the typical project period?

The typical project period is four years. Some program elements may specify shorter or longer durations, and five years is described as the maximum.

12) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad: organizations of many types may apply, including universities, nonprofits, companies, and government entities. The solicitation allows both domestic and foreign participation.

13) Can non-U.S. organizations apply and receive NASA funding?

Non-U.S. organizations may participate, but NASA generally provides funding only to U.S. institutions. Non-U.S. organizations typically participate under NASA's "no exchange of funds" policy, meaning the non-U.S. side supports its own costs, unless a particular jointly issued NRA element provides different guidance.

14) Where can applicants find the detailed rules for foreign participation?

The ROSES guidebook and specific appendix sections are referenced for detailed rules affecting foreign organizations, especially where U.S. personnel would be supported by NASA funding while collaborating with non-U.S. entities.

15) What are the key dates for this opportunity?

Proposal due dates begin May 1, 2009 and run through April 30, 2010. The overall closing date is April 30, 2010, and the archive date is May 30, 2010.

16) Is a Notice of Intent (NOI) required?

Most program elements request a Notice of Intent (NOI), submitted electronically. Early NOI deadlines begin March 13, 2009. Applicants should check the requirements for the specific program element they plan to propose to.

17) How are proposals submitted?

Proposals must be submitted electronically by the relevant due date for the specific program element. Submission is handled through NASA's NSPIRES system or through Grants.gov, but NSPIRES registration is required in all cases.

18) If an organization submits through Grants.gov, is NSPIRES still required?

Yes. Organizations submitting through Grants.gov must be registered with both Grants.gov and NSPIRES, and NSPIRES registration is required in all cases.

19) Who needs to be registered in NSPIRES?

Principal investigators and other named participants (such as co-investigators) must be registered in NSPIRES. Organizations must also designate authorized organizational representatives who are permitted to submit proposals.

20) What does NASA recommend regarding registration and submission systems?

NASA emphasizes registering and becoming familiar with NSPIRES and, if applicable, Grants.gov well ahead of deadlines to avoid administrative delays.

21) Where can the solicitation be accessed?

The solicitation is accessed via the NASA Research Opportunities homepage by navigating to open solicitations. Applicants are expected to consult the full ROSES materials and the NRA guidebook.

22) Where do applicants find element-specific requirements and instructions?

Element-specific requirements, evaluation criteria, formatting rules, and special instructions are provided in the full ROSES materials, the NRA guidebook, and the specific appendix sections for each program element.

23) Who should applicants contact with questions?

Administrative and programmatic questions are handled through the points of contact listed for each program element. General policy and procedural questions for the NRA are directed to the Science Mission Directorate research leadership contact identified in the announcement.