ROSES 2025: D.2 Astrophysics Data Analysis

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), through its Science Mission Directorate (SMD), has released the Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) 2025 omnibus announcement, which includes numerous program elements, one of which is D.2 Astrophysics Data Analysis. This specific program supports research that utilizes publicly available NASA astrophysics data to advance scientific understanding in the field. NASA is a key agency in the U.S. federal scientific ecosystem and continues to promote cutting-edge research through data collected from its missions and observatories. The D.2 Astrophysics Data Analysis program aims to fund research projects that leverage existing datasets from NASA’s astrophysics missions to yield new scientific insights. These data may include those from space-based observatories such as Hubble, Chandra, or Spitzer, among others. The intent is to maximize the scientific return on NASA’s investments in astrophysical data collection by supporting secondary data analysis, synthesis, and modeling efforts. Projects that involve novel analytical methods or cross-mission comparisons are particularly encouraged, provided they clearly align with the program’s focus. Funding is available through cooperative agreements or grants, but not contracts, as the work is considered fundamental research and not procurement. The program does not require cost sharing or matching funds, making it more accessible to a broad range of institutions. Although the number and size of awards have not been predefined, the typical period of performance is three years, with some flexibility depending on the scope of the proposed work. Eligibility is broad but conditional. Generally, U.S.-based organizations are eligible to apply, including academic institutions and nonprofit research organizations. Proposers must be affiliated with institutions registered on NSPIRES, NASA’s proposal submission system. Foreign entities may participate under a no-exchange-of-funds arrangement or through joint efforts if specified in a cooperative agreement. Applicants are encouraged to review NASA’s Grant and Cooperative Agreement Manual (GCAM) for detailed eligibility criteria and compliance requirements. Optional Notices of Intent (NOIs) are encouraged and must be submitted via NSPIRES by December 19, 2025. Full proposals are due by January 30, 2026. Applicants should consult the ROSES-2025 solicitation tables on NSPIRES for links to the detailed call for this program element. The application must be submitted through NSPIRES unless special arrangements are made to use Grants.gov, which must be requested at least 30 days prior to the deadline. Further instructions, FAQs, and points of contact can be found on the Science Mission Directorate’s website. For specific inquiries regarding this program element, applicants may contact Pablo Saz Parkinson at (831) 226-9582 or pablo.sazparkinson@nasa.gov, and Joshua Pepper at (202) 774-6180 or joshua.a.pepper@nasa.gov. All general questions regarding the ROSES-2025 program should be directed to the Deputy Associate Administrator for Research via sara@nasa.gov. This opportunity is part of NASA’s ongoing efforts to engage the scientific community in the analysis of astrophysical data, with an anticipated annual recurrence.

Review the applicable program element in ROSES 2025 Tables 2 and 3; ensure NSPIRES affiliation; verify international rules in GCAM.