Astrophysics studies
NASA and the community are interested in providing appropriate input to the 2020 Decadal Survey regarding medium-size mission concepts, also referred to as Astrophysics Probe concepts. To this end, NASA is soliciting proposals to conduct mission concept studies for Astrophysics Probe missions. Following peer review of the proposed mission concept studies, NASA will select a small number of proposals for 1.5 year (18 month) funded studies. The results of the selected studies will be provided by NASA as input to the 2020 Decadal Survey. Astrophysics Probes are envisioned to have a total lifecycle (NASA Phases A through E) cost between that of a MIDEX mission (~$400M) and ~$1B. Proposals for concept studies may envision missions that include contributions from other agencies (national or international), industry, and universities.
A Preproposal teleconference will occur on September 13, 2016, 1-2 pm. The dial in number for the teleconference will be 877-951-7311, passcode 4496156. Any new information that comes out of questions and answers from the teleconference or questions sent directly to the NASA point of contact will be posted in a FAQ on the NSPIRES web page for this program element. Notices of Intent are requested by September 16, 2016, and the due date for proposals is November 15, 2016.
