ROSES25: D.3C XRISM General Observer - Type 2

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), through its Science Mission Directorate (SMD), has issued a solicitation for the ROSES (Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences) 2025 initiative, specifically the program element titled "D.3C XRISM General Observer - Type 2." This funding opportunity, designated NNH25ZDA001N-XGO, is part of NASA’s broader commitment to expanding scientific knowledge of the universe through research and development. The ROSES omnibus encompasses various program elements aimed at advancing Earth and space science, including grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts. This element, focused on XRISM (X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission), provides support for general observation proposals that utilize the XRISM satellite and its capabilities. XRISM is a collaborative mission between NASA and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), providing a platform for high-resolution X-ray spectroscopy. This General Observer (Type 2) opportunity encourages investigators to submit proposals for new scientific observations that can include coordinated efforts with other observatories such as XMM-Newton and NuSTAR. Up to 20% of the total observing time may be allocated to time-constrained and Target-of-Opportunity (TOO) observations if scientifically justified. The program seeks to support a range of scientific studies in astrophysics by enabling investigators to access and utilize space-based assets for innovative research proposals. This element was officially updated on December 10, 2025, finalizing its text and deadlines. Proposals must be submitted by February 27, 2026, with no preliminary proposal or letter of intent required. However, interested applicants must be affiliated with an institution registered at NSPIRES (nspires.nasaprs.com). While NASA primarily funds U.S.-based institutions, international organizations may participate under specific conditions, particularly if the proposal aligns with the policy of no-exchange-of-funds or if jointly supported by non-U.S. institutions. For proposals involving foreign institutions, the NASA Grant and Cooperative Agreement Manual (GCAM) provides detailed instructions. These proposals may also include U.S. personnel requesting NASA support. Applications will be evaluated based on their scientific merit, the feasibility of the proposed observations, and their alignment with XRISM’s mission capabilities. Proposals are to be submitted through NSPIRES unless a Grants.gov submission is requested at least 30 days in advance. Applicants are advised to consult the ROSES-2025 summary and relevant tables (Table 2 and Table 3) for complete proposal instructions, including formatting and content guidelines. A program element PDF is available through NSPIRES for detailed requirements. The typical period of performance for selected projects is up to three years, although some awards may extend to five years depending on project complexity. Most awards under this ROSES element will be issued as grants, with cooperative agreements or inter-agency transfers applicable where appropriate. The estimated total funding and number of awards were not specified in the notice, and applicants should refer to the specific ROSES element page for updates. Frequently asked questions (FAQs) and program-specific guidance are available on the Science Mission Directorate’s website, and questions should be directed to Dr. Sanaz Vahidinia at NASA Headquarters via the email provided. Overall, this funding opportunity represents a significant investment in high-energy astrophysics research. It allows scientists the opportunity to propose meaningful experiments using one of NASA’s most advanced X-ray observatories. This General Observer program is an essential pathway for fostering community involvement in NASA’s astrophysics missions, encouraging novel approaches and collaborative research that could lead to transformative scientific discoveries.