ROSES 2025: F.3 Exoplanets Research

The Exoplanets Research Program (XRP), as outlined in the amended July 15, 2025 solicitation under NASA’s Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES), is a cross-divisional initiative managed by the Astrophysics, Planetary Science, and Heliophysics divisions within NASA’s Science Mission Directorate. XRP is designed to advance the scientific understanding of exoplanets and their formation. This includes the detection, characterization, and study of interactions between exoplanets and their host stars, as well as investigations into their physical and chemical properties. The program supports a wide range of research methodologies, including observational studies, laboratory research, theoretical modeling, and data analysis. The XRP funds basic research proposals that aim to enhance interpretations of data collected by NASA space missions or that generate testable predictions for future missions. Eligible investigations must demonstrate how their outcomes align with NASA’s strategic goals in exoplanet science. The scope of the program permits the use of both ground-based and archival data, provided the data is publicly accessible at the time of submission. Proposed observational work must rely on instruments that are fully operational by the time of submission and should not exceed 25% of the total project cost for telescope time purchases. Certain areas such as Solar System-centric studies or technology development are excluded from XRP and are better suited for other ROSES program elements. A two-step submission process is required. Step-1 proposals are mandatory and must be submitted through NSPIRES without any attachments. These initial submissions are brief, limited to 4,000 characters, and anonymized. Proposers will be informed if their Step-1 submission is encouraged or discouraged. Step-2 proposals must align with the science objectives of the Step-1 version and follow specific formatting rules, including dual-anonymous peer review (DAPR) guidelines. Step-2 proposals must include a 15-page anonymized Science/Technical/Management section and an anonymized two-page Open Science and Data Management Plan (OSDMP), placed immediately after the reference section. Separate documents are required for non-anonymized content, including personnel bios, letters of support, and detailed budgets. XRP proposals will be evaluated based on intrinsic merit, relevance to NASA’s science objectives, and cost reasonableness. Specific emphasis will be placed on the potential of the research to advance exoplanet science within five years and support NASA missions. Early-career scientists may be eligible for the Planetary Science Division's Early Career Award, and XRP awardees can participate in Research Coordination Networks (RCNs) if aligned with existing networks. Approximately $4 million is expected to be available for the first year of new awards, with an estimated 18 projects to be funded. Awards typically span three years, although four-year proposals are allowed with justification. Step-1 and Step-2 proposal deadlines are provided in the ROSES Tables 2 and 3, with the project start date planned for January 1, 2026. All proposals must be submitted electronically via NSPIRES, with an option for Grants.gov submission available by request made at least 30 days prior to the deadline. The main point of contact for XRP is John Wisniewski, reachable at hq-xrp@mail.nasa.gov.

Use the ROSES DAPR Proposers Guide and avoid identifying info in proposal content.