NASA Offers Grants for Solar System Exploration Research Institute

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is soliciting the submission of multiinstitutional team-based proposals for research as participating members of the Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute (SSERVI), hereafter referred to as “the Institute.” The Institute will succeed the current NASA Lunar Science Institute. Proposals must clearly articulate an innovative, broadly based research program addressing basic and applied scientific questions fundamental to understanding the nature of the Moon, Near Earth Asteroids (NEA), the Martian moons Phobos and Deimos, and the near space environments of these target bodies, to enable human exploration of these destinations. Proposals in the areas of astrophysics and heliophysics that are enabled through human and robotic exploration of the Target Bodies are also solicited through this Cooperative Agreement Notice.

The research scope for the CAN is in the fields of lunar, NEA, and Martian moon sciences, with preference given to topics that relate to the joint interests of both planetary science and human exploration. Topics in astrophysics and heliophysics that are enabled through exploration of the Target Bodies are also within the scope of the CAN. The proposed research should address NASA’s science and exploration goals (either or both) and should include broadly based investigations of the highest quality that address basic and applied science objectives. The proposed research should be integrated; thus, proposals consisting of tasks addressing multifaceted questions must demonstrate credible, scientific connections among the tasks. Proposals that only address a single question should strive to integrate interdisciplinary expertise and methodologies. It is expected, but not required, that teams bring together broadly based expertise from more than a single institution.

Proposals must also articulate plans to advance the full scope of Institute objectives (http://lunarscience.nasa.gov/overview/ ). The Institute is supported by a partnership between the NASA Science Mission Directorate (SMD) and the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate (HEOMD). NASA anticipates that approximately seven new teams will be selected through this solicitation

Participation in this solicitation is open to all categories of organizations. Although international teams are not solicited as part of this call for proposals, U.S. proposers are encouraged to identify projects involving international partners. The intent of this solicitation is to provide funding to U.S. institutions.

Points of Contact for Further Information

Institute Contact at NASA Ames Research Center:
Yvonne Pendleton, SSERV Institute Director
Phone: 650-604-1850
Fax: 650-604-1700
E-mail: yvonne.pendleton@nasa.gov

SMD Contact:
Robert A. Fogel, Program Manager
Science Mission Directorate
Phone: (202) 358-2289
Fax: 202-358-3097
E-mail: rfogel@nasa.gov

HEOMD Contact:
Michael J. Wargo, Program Manager
Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate
Phone: (202) 358-0822
Fax: 202-358-3091
E-mail: michael.wargo@nasa.gov