The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Science Mission Directorate (SMD) has announced its annual omnibus Research Announcement (NRA) under the Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) – 2025. This funding opportunity, titled "ROSES 2025: C.21 Yearly Opportunities for Research in Planetary Defense," supports scientific research and technological advancements in planetary defense. The opportunity is part of NASA’s broader effort to fund various program elements within space and Earth sciences. ROSES encompasses multiple research topics, each with specific due dates and guidelines, with awards granted as cooperative agreements or research grants, depending on the nature of the project.

The primary goal of this funding opportunity is to advance research in planetary defense, a field dedicated to detecting, tracking, and mitigating potential asteroid and comet threats to Earth. Research funded through this program contributes to developing new technologies and strategies for planetary defense, improving our ability to respond to potential impact hazards. Proposals should align with NASA’s objectives in this field, including observational studies, modeling, technology development, and mission support.

Eligible applicants must be affiliated with an institution registered in the NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES). Generally, NASA funds only U.S. institutions. However, foreign organizations may participate under a no-exchange-of-funds policy, with additional guidance provided in the NASA Proposer’s Guide. Some NASA Research Announcements (NRAs) may include collaborations with non-U.S. entities, particularly for joint space science missions. Organizations submitting proposals must ensure compliance with NASA’s requirements and should consult the Proposer’s Guide for more details.

The application process follows a two-step submission procedure. Step-1 proposals must be submitted by April 17, 2025, as a prerequisite for submitting a Step-2 proposal. The final Step-2 proposal deadline is June 18, 2025. Instructions for proposal submission, including required forms, can be retrieved from the NASA Solicitation website. Applications must adhere to the specific requirements outlined for each program element within ROSES 2025, accessible through Tables 2 and 3 on NASA’s research solicitation webpage.

Awards under this program are typically granted for three years, with some programs allowing up to five years, depending on the scope of the proposed research. The specific number of awards and funding amounts are not predetermined. However, previous awards under similar solicitations have varied based on available funding and the quality of proposals received. Cost-sharing or matching is not required for this funding opportunity.

Applicants can access additional information about the ROSES 2025 opportunity, including FAQs, program guidelines, and key contacts, through the NASA Science Mission Directorate’s online resources. General inquiries about this funding announcement can be directed to the Office of the SMD Deputy Associate Administrator for Research at sara@nasa.gov, while specific questions regarding planetary defense research can be sent to HQ-YORPD@mail.nasa.gov.