The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Science Mission Directorate (SMD) has announced the Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) – 2025 funding opportunity, specifically focusing on D.13 Astrophysics Pioneers. This program is part of NASA’s annual omnibus Research Announcement, which includes multiple program elements spanning a wide range of fundamental and applied research and technology efforts supported by SMD. The funding opportunity aims to support groundbreaking astrophysics research and technology development that aligns with NASA’s strategic science goals.

The funding is available in the form of grants and cooperative agreements. The opportunity does not require cost-sharing or matching funds. The expected number of awards has not been specified, and the award ceiling and floor amounts are not explicitly listed in the announcement. However, the typical period of performance for awarded projects is three years, with some programs allowing up to five years, depending on the nature of the research. The funding is meant to support activities related to astrophysics research, including theoretical studies, experimental investigations, and technology development.

Eligibility for this opportunity is primarily restricted to institutions listed on NSPIRES, NASA’s online proposal submission platform. In general, NASA provides funding only to U.S.-based institutions. However, organizations outside the U.S. may participate under specific circumstances, such as a policy of no-exchange-of-funds agreements. Some non-U.S. institutions may be eligible through joint programs or other special guidelines outlined in the NASA Proposer’s Guide. More details regarding eligibility and institutional requirements are available in the guide.

The application process includes a mandatory Notice of Intent, which is due on January 23, 2026, and the full proposal must be submitted by March 13, 2026. Applicants must retrieve the instructions document from NSPIRES to ensure all required forms are included in the submission package. Proposals should be submitted electronically, and in most cases, organizations must request access to submit via Grants.gov at least 30 days in advance of the deadline.

Applicants seeking more information about the ROSES-2025 opportunity and its various program elements can access details through NASA’s official solicitation page. NASA also provides multiple resources for applicants, including FAQ sections and direct contact information for program officers responsible for specific research areas. General questions regarding the solicitation can be directed to the office of the SMD Deputy Associate Administrator for Research via email.

For further inquiries about the funding opportunity, applicants may contact Michael Garcia at michael.r.garcia@nasa.gov or call (202) 320-6341. For issues related to data archives, the point of contact is Hashima Hasan at hashima.hasan@nasa.gov or (202) 358-0692. The full details of the announcement, along with any updates, can be found on NSPIRES and the official NASA ROSES-2025 solicitation pages.