The "A.32 Precipitation Measurements Mission and CloudSat and CALIPSO Science Team Recompete" outlines a funding opportunity for scientific research focused on the Precipitation Measurements Mission (PMM) and the CloudSat and CALIPSO (CC) Science Teams. This solicitation responds to recent changes in the operational status of these satellite missions and aims to foster new scientific investigations that leverage existing data. The integration of PMM and CC into a single competition reflects the shift in programmatic goals, particularly due to the conclusion of CloudSat and CALIPSO's active missions, while promoting the ongoing use of archived data and cross-mission collaborations with newer satellites such as the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Core Observatory and the EarthCARE mission.

The primary goal of the PMM Science Team is to advance scientific understanding of precipitation systems, the water cycle, and to enhance weather and climate forecasting capabilities. GPM data products are required to be central to all proposals. However, researchers are encouraged to integrate a broader range of spaceborne precipitation datasets, including those from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) and the Integrated Multi-satellite Retrievals for GPM (IMERG). This effort aims to further exploit the extensive GPM data and other satellite records to push the boundaries of precipitation science.

Despite the end of CloudSat and CALIPSO operations, the extensive data archives from these missions remain valuable for atmospheric research. Proposals utilizing these data archives to study cloud and aerosol processes are encouraged, especially in conjunction with other satellite missions. The launch of the EarthCARE satellite in 2024 presents an opportunity to extend the scientific legacy of CloudSat and CALIPSO by bridging these older datasets with new observations.

The funding opportunity invites proposals in three main research categories. The first category focuses on PMM investigations that advance the exploitation of GPM data, the development of long-term precipitation measurement time series, and the study of precipitation-related processes. The second category solicits research that uses the CloudSat and CALIPSO data archives to study cloud and aerosol processes, with particular emphasis on their roles in the climate system. The third category encourages combined PMM and CC investigations, promoting the use of both datasets to explore topics such as cloud structure, precipitation microphysics, and aerosol-cloud interactions.

Researchers applying for funding must follow NASA’s dual-anonymous peer review process, which ensures anonymity of both proposers and reviewers. This system is designed to reduce bias in the evaluation process. Proposals must also include a detailed Open Science and Data Management Plan, outlining how data and results will be shared in compliance with NASA’s open data policies. This approach emphasizes transparency and accessibility in scientific research.

Notices of Intent (NOIs) are due by October 11, 2024, with full proposals required by November 20, 2024. NASA anticipates a budget of $8.5 million to fund approximately 43 new projects over a three-year period. These awards will provide significant opportunities for researchers to contribute to advancements in atmospheric science, leveraging both legacy and current satellite data to improve understanding of precipitation, cloud dynamics, and related atmospheric processes.