ROSES 2025: C.10 Lunar Mapping Program

The Lunar Mapping Program (LMAP), a component of NASA's Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) 2025 solicitation, seeks to advance scientific understanding and support exploration initiatives through lunar surface mapping. The program is administered by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) through its Science Mission Directorate. NASA’s overarching mission includes advancing scientific knowledge of Earth, the solar system, and the universe, and LMAP contributes by focusing specifically on lunar surface studies. LMAP aims to support research that enables high-resolution mapping and topographical understanding of the Moon, essential for future human and robotic missions. The ROSES-2025 announcement is an annual omnibus research funding mechanism that encompasses numerous program elements, each with distinct focuses and deadlines. The LMAP is one such element under Appendix C of the solicitation, focusing on planetary science and data utilization from space missions. This program supports both basic and applied research, with award instruments likely issued as grants or cooperative agreements. Contracts are generally excluded due to the exploratory nature of the work. Proposals must align with specific goals outlined in the Planetary Science Division’s strategic plan and should leverage mission-derived data where appropriate. Recent amendments to the ROSES-25 guidelines include the establishment of thresholds and submission protocols for substantial equipment requests and clarified guidance on spacecraft data usage. Proposers are advised to consult updated materials in Tables 2 and 3 of the ROSES site to access complete documentation for LMAP. Eligibility is generally limited to U.S.-based institutions registered with NSPIRES. NASA typically does not provide funding to non-U.S. entities unless under a no-exchange-of-funds policy or through specific bilateral agreements. Additional guidelines for foreign entities are detailed in the NASA Grant and Cooperative Agreement Manual (GCAM). The proposal submission process is conducted through NSPIRES, and applications must follow all formatting, deadline, and documentation requirements listed in the solicitation. The revised application deadline for the 2025 cycle is December 15, 2025. Proposals submitted after this date will not be considered unless exceptional circumstances apply. No pre-application requirements, such as concept papers or letters of intent, are noted. While a specific number of awards and funding levels is not declared, the program is competitive and aligned with NASA's strategic research goals. Awards may span up to three years, with some allowance for five-year durations depending on project scope. Prospective applicants should direct program-related inquiries to Sarah Noble or Amanda Nahm via the program's designated email. General questions regarding ROSES-2025 may be addressed to the SMD Deputy Associate Administrator for Research at sara@nasa.gov. Applicants can stay informed of updates by subscribing to the SMD mailing list or the ROSES blog feed. ROSES-2025 supports recurring annual solicitations, and interested parties should anticipate a new cycle in Fall 2026, with further information available on the ROSES website.

Clarify substantial equipment thresholds and use of spacecraft data per Sections 3.11 and 3.5 of ROSES guidance; consult C.1 Overview for program context.