ROSES 2025: D.5 Astrophysics Pioneers

The NASA Astrophysics Pioneers program is a specialized initiative within NASA's Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) framework. Administered by the Astrophysics Division at NASA Headquarters, the Pioneers element aims to support innovative space and sub-orbital astrophysics investigations that are larger in scale and cost than those funded under the Astrophysics Research and Analysis (APRA) program, but smaller than the Astrophysics Explorers Mission of Opportunity program. This opportunity is designed for investigations that utilize platforms such as CubeSats (including constellations), SmallSats, and major balloon payloads. The program specifically prioritizes high scientific merit while allowing for necessary technology development and maturation. Pioneers proposals must align with NASA’s Astrophysics science goals, as outlined in the 2025–2026 NASA Science Plan and the 2022 NASA Strategic Plan. The primary evaluation criterion is the scientific merit of the proposed investigation, with technical feasibility and early-career researcher involvement also weighted. The program enforces a PI-managed cost cap of $20 million over a maximum five-year award period. However, costs related to launch services, including rideshare opportunities for CubeSats or SmallSats and balloon vehicle support for balloon missions, are covered by NASA outside this cap. All awarded investigations are required to include data archiving plans, with mission data to be deposited in designated NASA archives such as HEASARC, MAST, or IRSA. The application process mandates submission of a Notice of Intent (NOI), which is not anonymized and must include all team members. Full proposals must adhere to dual-anonymous peer review (DAPR) procedures. The core Science/Technical/Management (S/T/M) section must be fully anonymized and limited to 30 pages, excluding references and the required two-page Open Science and Data Management Plan (OSDMP). Additional required documents include a non-anonymized Expertise and Resources (E&R) document, redacted and full budgets, and other appendices such as the Rideshare Accommodation Worksheet and optional High-End Computing (HEC) request. The program encourages proposals that include early-career researchers, postdoctoral fellows, and students, providing them mentorship and opportunities to develop leadership skills. Evaluation criteria reflect this emphasis, assigning approximately 25% of the merit score to early-career development. Proposals involving technology development are expected to outline plans to reach Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 by the Critical Design Review stage. Selected projects must submit a Concept Study Report (CSR) and participate in key NASA gate reviews, including a combined Systems Requirements Review and Mission Definition Review (SRR/MDR), which serve as prerequisites for project continuation. This funding opportunity is available nationwide and all launch and integration services are handled through NASA's infrastructure, including the Launch Services Program and the Balloon Program Office. Contact points for specific inquiries include Pablo Saz Parkinson (pablo.sazparkinson@nasa.gov, 831-226-9582) for general questions and Hashima Hasan (hashima.hasan@nasa.gov, 202-358-0692) for data archive issues. The funding opportunity number is NNH25ZDA001N-PIONEERS. Awards are expected to begin roughly six months after proposal submission, with potential delays for national lab-based investigators. Final launch readiness must occur within five years of the initial funding date.

Ensure strict compliance with dual-anonymous review rules, anonymize references, and separate budget materials correctly. Use NASA’s guidance documents, videos, and templates.