ROSES 2025: C.8 Yearly Opportunities for Research in Planetary Defense

The Yearly Opportunities for Research in Planetary Defense (YORPD) is a NASA funding initiative administered through its Planetary Defense Coordination Office, specifically aligned with the Near-Earth Object (NEO) Observations Program. This opportunity is part of the ROSES-2025 suite and is designed to support research that advances the detection, characterization, and mitigation of asteroids or cometary bodies whose orbits come within close proximity to Earth. The overarching mission is to inventory more than 90 percent of NEOs larger than 140 meters in diameter, consistent with national preparedness and planetary defense strategies. This program encourages proposals that support various planetary defense research areas. These include, but are not limited to, new NEO survey operations for undiscovered bodies, rapid astrometric follow-up observations, physical characterization through telescopic or radar observations, development of operational tools, and dynamical modeling. The scope also includes data analysis from NASA missions like NEOWISE, Spitzer, HST, and DART, as well as laboratory investigations related to NEO composition and impact mitigation strategies. Proposals that help inform mission concepts or potential deflection strategies in response to impact threats are especially welcomed. YORPD uses a two-step submission process with mandatory Step-1 and Step-2 proposals. All submissions must be anonymized and comply with NASA’s dual-anonymous peer review requirements. Step-1 proposals help in review assignment and must be submitted by the proposing organization. Step-2 proposals are evaluated through a DAPR process where both proposers and reviewers remain anonymous to minimize bias. Detailed guidelines, including preparation of Open Science and Data Management Plans, redacted budgets, and facility access documentation, are available on NSPIRES. This funding opportunity does not allow spacecraft or suborbital mission development. All astrometric measurements funded by YORPD must be submitted to the International Astronomical Union’s Minor Planet Center. Researchers intending to use Goldstone Planetary Radar or NASA’s Infrared Telescope Facility must include appropriate planning and documentation in their proposal packages. Each proposal must clearly articulate how the work advances NASA's planetary defense objectives. The expected program budget for the first year is approximately $1.5 million, with an estimated 7 to 9 new awards. Projects are typically funded for up to 3 years, though durations up to 5 years are permitted. Specific due dates for both Step-1 and Step-2 proposals are listed in Tables 2 and 3 of the ROSES-2025 NRA. All proposals must be submitted electronically via NSPIRES. Optional submissions via Grants.gov are available upon request if initiated at least 30 days prior to the due date. For inquiries, applicants may contact Julie Ziffer, Kelly Fast, or Adelle Helble at HQ-YORPD@mail.nasa.gov.

Ensure anonymization of content per dual-anonymous peer review requirements. Follow ROSES and NSPIRES guidance precisely.