Dear Cosmic Origins Community,

The ASTRA initiative (linked below) will promote new strategic mission concepts for astrophysics. We would like to encourage you to think about new strategic mission concepts for the coming decades of astrophysics. Please join us for a community webinar next Wednesday, June 10, 12:00 – 1:00 pm ET ( 9:00 – 10:00 am PT) where we will discuss ASTRA.

As part of ASTRA, the Community Science (Ad ASTRA) Workshop will take place 1-3 September 2026 in Pasadena. New concept ideas will be discussed at this event.

To join the ASTRA initiative, mission concept template is now available (linked below). There are also instructions for submission. Submitted concept ideas will be discussed at the September workshop.

Associated links:

• ASTRA Initiative: https://science.nasa.gov/astrophysics/programs/cosmic-origins/studies/astra-initiative/
• Mission Concept Template: https://science.nasa.gov/astrophysics/programs/cosmic-origins/community/astra-mission-concept-template-and-submission-form/

We look forward to talking with you next week.

Shouleh Nikzad, Chair
Sabrina Stierwalt, Vice-Chair

COPAG Executive Committee