DRAFT Announcement of Opportunity (AO) -- 2025 Astrophysics Small Explorer (SMEX)
ID: NNH25ZDA008JType: Special Notice
Overview

Buyer

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATIONNATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATIONNASA HEADQUARTERSWASHINGTON, DC, 20546, USA

NAICS

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (54171)

PSC

SPACE R&D SERVICES; SPACE FLIGHT, RESEARCH AND SUPPORTING ACTIVITIES; BASIC RESEARCH (AR11)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/f0576e0faf934cb7b3ad0d7b73fa990c/view
Timeline
    Description

    NASA's National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is preparing to release the Announcement of Opportunity (AO) for the 2025 Astrophysics Small Explorer (SMEX) program, with the final text expected no earlier than April 2026. This opportunity aims to select one proposal for a NASA project focused on PI-led space science investigations that align with NASA's goals of exploring the universe's origins and the search for Earth-like planets. The program is significant for advancing astrophysics research and fostering innovation within the scientific community. Interested parties can access the draft AO on the NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES) and are encouraged to submit comments and questions via email to the designated contacts, John Wisniewski and E. Lucien Cox, by February 26, 2026, using "DRAFT 2025 SMEX AO" in the subject line.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Doris Daou -- Astrophysics Small Explorers Program Lead Scientist - Science Mission Directorate
    Doris.Daou@nasa.gov
    E. Lucien Cox – Astrophysics Small Explorers Program Executive - Science Mission Directorate
    elbert.l.cox@nasa.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    1stNSPIRESemail.pdf
    NASA's Science Mission Directorate has released a draft Announcement of Opportunity for the 2025 Astrophysics Small Explorer (SMEX) program, inviting community review and comment. The program focuses on PI-led space science investigations relevant to NASA's goals of exploring the universe's origins, evolution, and the search for Earth-like planets. The draft AO is available for review on the NSPIRES platform, and participation is open to various organizations, including educational and non-profit institutions, as well as government agencies. The comment period ends on February 21, 2025, and responses will be published in a Q&A section. It's important to note that releasing this draft does not obligate NASA to issue the final SMEX AO. Comments must be submitted by email, preserving the anonymity of contributors. This effort reflects NASA's commitment to engaging the community and gathering feedback to guide future exploratory missions in astrophysics.
    2ndNSPIRESemail.pdf
    The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has announced a postponement of the 2025 Astrophysics Small Explorer (SMEX) Announcement of Opportunity (AO) release, now scheduled for no earlier than April 2026. Originally, the final SMEX text was expected to be released in April 2025. The postponement allows NASA's Science Mission Directorate's Astrophysics Division to refine the AO to ensure more effective and efficient opportunities for potential proposers. Comments and questions regarding this change can be submitted via email, with anonymity guaranteed. Responses will be aggregated and shared publicly on the SMEX Program Acquisition website. The draft AO was initially published on January 13, 2025, with identification number NNH25ZDA008J. NASA remains committed to keeping the community informed of any further updates regarding this program.
    3rdNSPIRESemail.pdf
    NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD) plans to release the "2026 Astrophysics Small Explorer (SMEX)" Announcement of Opportunity (AO) in the second quarter of CY 2026. This AO, which updates a previous draft, will introduce a single-step selection process, eliminating competitive Phase A studies to improve efficiency. The combined Phase A&B concept development and preliminary design is projected to last 18 months. The competition aims to select one proposal for a NASA project in Phase A. The final AO text will differ from the draft, specifically addressing previously deferred requirements related to project management, orbital debris, channel bandwidth, cost estimate uncertainty, and preliminary Level 1 and Level 2 Requirements. The final AO text is expected to be posted no earlier than April 2026 on NSPIRES. Participation is open to various U.S. organizations and some non-U.S. organizations. Key dates include the final AO release in Q2 2026, proposals due approximately 90 days after release, and selection announced in Q1 2027, with a launch readiness date no later than Q3 2031. Questions can be submitted via email by February 26, 2026.
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    DRAFT Announcement of Opportunity (AO) -- 2025 Astrophysics Small Explorer (SMEX)
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