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Cosmic Origins Seminar

Cosmic Origins about Cosmic Origins Seminar

Location

Virtual

Dates

26 May 2026
12:00pm ET

Community

Cosmic Origins

Type

Seminar

Getting Started with Science-Driven Mission Concept Development

Speaker

Al Nash

Abstract

Learn how to begin to conceive a new astrophysics mission concept by watching a worked example. Drawing on lessons from NASA’s mission lifecycle and formulation practices, and aligned with the goals of the Astrophysics Strategic Technology & Research Accelerator (ASTRA) initiative, this presentation illustrates how to begin the process of new mission formulation. Identify strategically compelling concepts. Move from curiosity-driven ideas to concepts that survive community prioritization. Align with decadal guidance. Position your concept not just to be interesting, but to be chosen.

Downloads

NASA Astrophysics Mission Design School

May 27, 2026

PDF (8.85 MB)

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Angled from the upper left corner to the lower right corner is a cone-shaped orange-red cloud known as Herbig-Haro 49/50. This feature takes up about three-fourths of the length of this angle. The upper left end of this feature has a translucent, rounded end. The conical feature widens slightly from the rounded end at the upper right down to the lower right. Along the cone there are additional rounded edges, like edges of a wave, and intricate foamy-like details, as well as a clearer view of the black background of space. In the upper left, overlapping with the rounded end of Herbig-Haro 49/50, is a background spiral galaxy with a concentrated blue center that fades outward to blend with red spiral arms. The background of space is speckled with some white stars and smaller, more numerous, fainter white galaxies throughout.