NASA selects two mission proposals for new astrophysics program studies

NASA selects two mission proposals for new astrophysics program studies
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Oct 07, 2024

NASA has chosen two mission proposals to undergo further review as part of its new Probe Explorers class, a major step in its astrophysics research. The missions, focused on observing X-ray and far-infrared light from space, were announced by the agency on Thursday. Each proposal team will receive $5 million to conduct a 12-month study to refine their concepts. NASA expects to make a final selection in 2026, with the chosen mission slated for launch in 2032.

These missions will inaugurate a new class of astrophysics programs, falling under NASA's Explorers Program. Known as Probe Explorers, this class will bridge the gap between smaller, principal investigator-led missions and large flagship initiatives, helping NASA continue its exploration of the universe's hidden mysteries.

"NASA's Explorers Program brings out some of the most creative ideas for missions that help us reveal the unknown about our universe. Establishing this new line of missions - the largest our Astrophysics program has ever competed - has taken that creativity to new heights," said Nicola Fox, associate administrator for NASA's Science Mission Directorate. "Both of the selected concepts could enable ground-breaking science responsive to the top astrophysics priorities of the decade, develop key technologies for future flagship missions, and offer opportunities for the entire community to use the new observatory, for the benefit of all."

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine's 2020 Decadal Survey recommended the creation of this new mission class, aimed at observing either X-ray or far-infrared wavelengths. NASA has capped the cost of these missions at $1 billion each, excluding the rocket, launch services, and additional contributions.

NASA evaluated each mission proposal based on its scientific relevance, alignment with the Decadal Survey's priorities, feasibility, and potential to support future large-scale missions. The selected proposals are as follows:

Advanced X-ray Imaging Satellite
This X-ray imaging mission aims to provide a wide field of view with high spatial resolution. Its objectives include studying the seeds of supermassive black holes, investigating stellar feedback processes that shape galaxy evolution, and identifying the power sources of various cosmic explosions. This mission will build upon previous successes in X-ray observatories, enhancing the capability of X-ray imaging and spectroscopy.

Principal investigator: Christopher Reynolds, University of Maryland, College Park

Project management: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland

Probe far-Infrared Mission for Astrophysics
This mission features a 5.9-foot (1.8-meter) telescope designed to observe far-infrared wavelengths. It will help bridge the gap between existing infrared observatories, such as the James Webb Space Telescope, and radio telescopes. The mission will explore radiant energy in the far-infrared, focusing on the origins and evolution of planets, supermassive black holes, stars, and cosmic dust.

Principal investigator: Jason Glenn, NASA Goddard

Project management: NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Southern California

NASA's Explorers Program, active since 1958, is the agency's longest-running initiative designed to provide frequent, low-cost access to space for scientific research. The program has launched more than 90 missions, including historic efforts such as the Uhuru and Cosmic Background Explorer missions, which contributed to Nobel Prize-winning discoveries.

The program is managed by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, under the Science Mission Directorate, which leads NASA's exploration of the solar system, space weather, Earth science, and the broader universe.

For more details on NASA's Explorers Program, visit here