ROSES 2024: B.9 Heliophysics Low Cost Access to Space

The Heliophysics Low Cost Access to Space (H-LCAS) program supports investigations aimed at addressing NASA's heliophysics science goals while promoting the development of new technologies. The program focuses on suborbital flights using rockets, balloons, or airborne platforms to conduct investigations. These suborbital platforms, such as those provided by NASA or commercial providers, allow researchers to collect valuable data at a lower cost than traditional space missions. The program encourages technology development and offers unique opportunities for early-career researchers and students to participate in NASA's space flight programs. Investigations submitted to H-LCAS must address NASA's heliophysics science goals, such as improving the understanding of solar and space physics. These investigations often involve the development or enhancement of scientific instruments or sensors, which are then tested and validated during suborbital flights. Proposers are required to submit a complete plan for their investigation, which includes the development of the payload, flight operations, data analysis, and publication of the results. Additionally, data collected during the mission must be archived in NASA's repositories and made available to the public. Proposals must include detailed science, technical, and management plans, including a traceability matrix linking the investigation's scientific goals to specific objectives and performance metrics. The program also emphasizes the involvement of graduate students and early-career scientists, ensuring that the projects contribute to workforce development in space flight engineering and management. NASA provides a variety of platforms for suborbital research through its Sounding Rocket, Balloon, and Airborne programs. Proposers may choose NASA-provided platforms or negotiate their own launch services through commercial providers. A Payload Reference Document (PRD) must also be submitted with the proposal, detailing the payload’s requirements to ensure compatibility with available flight platforms. Evaluation criteria for H-LCAS proposals include the scientific and technical merit of the investigation, its cost-effectiveness, and its relevance to NASA’s goals. Proposals are also judged on their contribution to technology readiness and the professional development of early-career scientists and engineers. Finally, a major campaign is planned for 2028 from the Punta Lobos Rocket Range in Peru, targeting geospace phenomena near the geomagnetic equator. Proposers are encouraged to participate in this campaign, and NASA has provided specific guidelines to ensure efficient and collaborative use of resources for this effort.