Amendment 41: Final Text Released for D.16 “Astrophysics Pioneers” Soliciting Astrophysics Space and Suborbital Science Investigations.

D.16 "Astrophysics Pioneers" program element of ROSES solicits proposals for Astrophysics space and sub-orbital science investigations that are greater in cost, scope and capability than normally possible within ROSES, e.g., the Astrophysics Research and Analysis (APRA) program (D.3 of ROSES-2020), but of lesser cost than the Astrophysics Explorers Mission of Opportunity (MO) program (e.g., PEA O of SALMON-3 for the 2019 opportunity). Investigations using platforms that include CubeSats (including constellations), SmallSats, Major Balloon Missions, and International Space Station (ISS)-attached payloads will be solicited. Technology development and maturation within the proposed project will be allowed, but the primary review criterion for selection will be the merit of the proposed science investigation.

ROSES-2020 Amendment 41 releases final text for D.16 "Astrophysics Pioneers" which was previously released as draft for community comment. Mandatory Notices of Intent are due August 13, 2020 and proposals are due October 1, 2020. The text has been revised in response to community comments. Please refer to the bold notice at the top of the program element for a list of major change and read the text carefully.

On or about July 2, 2020, this Amendment to the NASA Research Announcement "Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) 2020" (NNH20ZDA001N) will be posted on the NASA research opportunity homepage at http://solicitation.nasaprs.com/ROSES2020.

Questions concerning D.16 "Astrophysics Pioneers" should be directed to Michael Garcia at michael.r.garcia@nasa.gov.