Special Session: Everything but Exoplanets: The Transformative General Astrophysics of the Habitable Worlds Observatory

Monday, June 15th, 1:00pm – 2:30pm ET, 10:00am -11:30am PT

Highlights from Cosmic Origins Science Interest Groups (SIGs) and Science Analysis Groups (SAGs).

Time	Topic	Speaker
10:20am ‑ 10:30am	Spatially Resolved UV Spectroscopy Science Analysis Group in Support of HWO	Emily Witt (JHU)
10:30am ‑ 10:40am	Investigating the NIR Discovery Space of the Habitable Worlds Observatory: Updates from the Red Limit Science Analysis Group	Kyle Cooke (University of Louisville)
10:40am ‑ 10:50am	Opening the OVI Window to Reveal the Diffuse Cosmic Ecosystem with HWO	Sanchayeeta Borthakur (Arizona State University)
11:00am ‑ 11:10am	HWO Science Interest Group: Keeping the Community Connected to HWO	Jessie Christiansen (Caltech/IPAC)

Agenda

Organizers: Swara Ravindranath (NASA/GSFC), Emily Witt (JHU)

Time	Topic	Speaker
10:00am ‑ 10:05am	Welcome	Swara Ravindranath (NASA/GSFC)
10:05am ‑ 10:15am	FORTIS Sounding Rocket	Emily Witt (JHU)
10:15am ‑ 10:25am	BlackCAT CubeSat	Abe Falcone (Pennsylvania State University)
10:25am ‑ 10:35am	SunRISE CubeSat Constellation	Joseph Lazio (University of Michigan)
10:35am ‑ 10:45am	SPHEREx Medium Explorer Mission	Roberta Paladini (IPAC/Caltech)
10:45am ‑ 10:55am	Landolt Pioneer Mission	Peter Kurczynski (NASA/GSFC)
10:55am ‑ 11:05am	Non-Traditional Path to Missions	Sanchayeeta Borthakur (Arizona State University)
11:05am ‑ 11:10am	BREAK
11:10am ‑ 11:30am	Panel Discussion	Swara Ravindranath (NASA/GSFC, moderator) Panelists: Drew Miles (Caltech), Pablo Saz Parkinson (NASA HQ), Joseph Lazio (University of Michigan), Abe Falcone (Pennsylvania State University), David Ardila (JPL)

Special Session: Planning for the Future of Astrophysics and the ASTRA Initiative

Thursday, June 18th, 1:00pm – 2:30pm ET, 10:00am -11:30am PT

No remote participation is available for this special session.

Agenda

Time	Topic	Speaker
10:00am ‑ 10:10am	Introduction from the NASA Astrophysics Division Director	Shawn Domagal‑Goldman (NASA HQ)
10:10am ‑ 10:25am	The ASTRA Initiative: Overview& Path Forward	Jessica Gaskin (NASA HQ)
10:25am ‑ 10:40am	Innovation for Astrophysics Workshop: Initial Findings	Kendra Short (JPL)
10:40am ‑ 10:55am	Ad ASTRA Community Science Workshop	Peter Kurczynski (NASA/GSFC)
10:55am ‑ 11:30am	Panel Discussion	Francesca Civano (NASA/GSFC)

ASTRA Office Hours at Cosmic Origins Exhibit Booth

(June 15 – 17, 2026) at 9am PT

Stop by the AAS / Cosmic Origins Exhibit booth during these times to ask questions about the ASTRA initiative, the September Ad ASTRA workshop, and developing new strategic mission concepts for astrophysics. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 9 am PT (Peter Kurczynski)

Best regards,
Swara Ravindranath

The post Join Us at the 248th AAS Meeting, June 2026 appeared first on NASA Science.

Due by July 7th, 2026

Dear Colleagues,

The Habitable Worlds Observatory Technology Maturation Project Office and Columbus Technologies are excited to invite you to participate in a Detector System Development Study focused on developing critical detector technologies for the Habitable Worlds Observatory. This request for proposals seeks information from qualified organizations capable of supporting detector technology maturation studies to advance candidate technologies toward Technology Readiness Level 5. Specifically, we are seeking responses to address one or more of the following detectors categories: photon-counting detectors for visible and near-infrared coronagraph applications, far-ultraviolet detectors, and large-format detectors for near-ultraviolet and visible applications. Details regarding the call for proposals, eligibility, required deliverables, and study phases are available at the Columbus Technologies website here: https://columbususa.com/opportunities/hwo-detector-rfp/ 

Respondents located at Government agencies including the Jet Propulsion Laboratory or NASA Centers (e.g., Goddard Space Flight Center, Ames Research Center, etc.) should submit their responses directly to Daniel Kelly (daniel.p.kelly@nasa.gov).

Note: Responses are due by July 7, 2026.

The post HWO Detector System Development Study Request for Proposals appeared first on NASA Science.

Dear Astrophysics Strategic Technology & Research Accelerator (ASTRA) community members-

As we prepare for our Ad ASTRA Community Science workshop, we are writing to share important updates regarding the agenda structure and instructions for abstract submissions. 

The Community Science (Ad ASTRA) Workshop is organized by the NASA Astrophysics Division to engage the community in identifying future large, strategic astrophysics missions. Structured over three thematic days—Science, Capabilities and Implementation, and Community Discussion—the workshop provides a comprehensive framework to connect scientific priorities with technological readiness and mission implementation. Across all three days, plenaries, panels, breakout sessions, and poster contributions are designed to maximize community interactions and discussion. The outcomes of the workshop will help NASA prioritize mission concepts and shape a balanced, forward-looking astrophysics portfolio that is consistent with the Astro2020 recommendations and existing and future science gaps.

To best serve the community and facilitate meaningful collaboration, we are splitting the mission concept presentations into two distinct focuses: Science on Day 1, and Capabilities and Implementation on Day 2. We are relying on you—the concept teams and the broader community—to submit abstracts for both days. We are also offering the option to present mission concepts as posters, and will offer the opportunity to present as posters any abstracts for which there is insufficient room in the parallel sessions.

Please review the detailed agenda structure and submission guidelines below:

Day 1: Science Focus

• Science Questions: Day 1 will focus on open science priorities and questions from strategic documents (Astro 2020 Decadal Survey, Enduring Quests – Daring Visions from 2014) and more recent science questions that the mission concepts submitted to ASTRA will address. 
• Abstract Submission: Presentations for Day 1 are not restricted to mission concept team members. We strongly encourage other scientists in the community to submit abstracts presenting important science questions and to use this opportunity to connect with concept teams.
• Breakout Sessions: These sessions will be organized by science themes (Compact Objects and Energetic Phenomena, Cosmology, Galaxies, Exoplanets & Astrobiology, Stars and Stellar Populations). Moderators will present a summary of the panel discussions at the end of Day 1.

Day 2: Mission Concepts – Capabilities and Implementation

• Focus: Day 2 is focused on implementation, capabilities, and technologies (software and hardware) relevant to the ASTRA submitted mission concepts. A summary of the Innovation for Astrophysics Missions Workshop (May 2026) will inform discussions regarding industry and other capabilities and opportunities that may be leveraged. 
• Breakout Sessions: These sessions will be organized by capability groups, which will be determined once the submitted mission concept documents are reviewed.
• Format & Goals: Breakout sessions will feature a mix of presentations and flexible discussion. The goal is for teams with concepts at varying maturity levels to collaborate, find commonalities, and strengthen their respective capability groups.
• Abstract Submission Note: Teams may submit multiple abstracts for these sessions if their concept spans different capabilities (e.g., requiring both UV and X-ray technologies).

Day 3 & Workshop Outcome

A primary goal of this workshop is to refine a draft “science-to-capabilities” matrix, which will be built using inputs from your submitted ASTRA mission concept documents. During the Day 1 and 2 breakout sessions, moderators will capture key discussion points to present during end-of-day summary panels. On Day 3 of the workshop, we will hold a plenary discussion to recap the week and collaboratively revise the “science-to-capabilities” matrix. Together as a community, we will add, refine, and prioritize science questions, mapping them to mission concepts. 

Key Upcoming Dates:

• 24 June 2026: Abstract submission deadline (link). If you have already submitted an abstract and would like to modify it based on the guidelines above, please delete your previous contribution and send another submission. 
• 26 June 2026: Mission Concept Document submission deadline (template, submission portal)
• 10 July 2026: Contributed abstracts selected for talks and posters 

We look forward to your abstract submissions and to a highly collaborative and productive workshop! 

Best regards,

The Ad ASTRA Workshop Organizing Committee

The post Ad ASTRA Community Science Workshop Updates  appeared first on NASA Science.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Science Mission Directorate (SMD) announces the release of an Announcement of Opportunity (AO) to solicit Principal Investigator (PI)-led space science investigations for the Small Explorer (SMEX) opportunity under the Astrophysics Explorers Program. The SMD strategic goal of expanding human knowledge through new scientific discoveries in astrophysics includes the broad objective: “to understand the Sun, Earth, Solar System, and Universe.” SMD addresses this objective through astrophysics investigations that address one or more of these science goals: 

• How does the Universe work? Probe the origin and destiny of our universe, including the nature of black holes, dark energy, dark matter and gravity.
• How did we get here? Explore the origin and evolution of the galaxies, stars, and planets that make up our universe.
• Are we alone? Discover and study planets around other stars and explore whether they could harbor life. 

The 2026 Astrophysics SMEX (APSMEX26) Schedule:

	AO Release Date: June 9, 2026
	Preproposal Conference Date: June 30, 2026
	Mandatory Notice of Intent Due Date: July 21, 2026
	Proposal Due Date: September 9, 2026

The NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES) is the official source for the full text of the Astrophysics Explorers Program 2026 SMEX AO. To find the full, final text visit https://go.nasa.gov/APSMEX26. Alternatively, visit: http://nspires.nasaprs.com/, select ‘Solicitations’ at the top of the page, and on the next page enter solicitation number NNH26ZDA011O in the search field.

Prospective investigators from any category of organizations or institutions, U.S. or non-U.S. with some restrictions as specified in Section 4.2.1 of the AO, are welcome. Specific categories of organizations and institutions include, but are not limited to, educational, industrial, and not-for-profit organizations, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs), NASA Centers, and other Government agencies. Both U.S. and non-U.S. participation is subject to China restrictions described in Sections 4.2.2 and 5.8.1 of the AO.

All interested parties must read the final APSMEX26 AO carefully for significant changes from the draft AO (NNH25ZDA008J) and prior years’ SMD Explorers Program AOs. Of particular importance is the change in evaluation and selection to a single-step competitive process. NASA intends to select one investigation proposal from the APSMEX26 responses to proceed into a combined Phase A&B. All proposals must comply with the requirements, constraints, and guidelines contained within the AO. 

The Science Office for Mission Assessments (SOMA) will post the virtual Preproposal Conference agenda, connection information, and related information at: https://explorers.larc.nasa.gov/APSMEX26/SMEX.  SOMA hosts the official “2026 Astrophysics Small Explorer (SMEX)” website that provides further information, including the SMEX Program Library and SMEX Question & Answer (Q&A) page. Anonymity of persons/institutions who submit questions will be preserved. Proposers are encouraged to send comments and questions early so that they may be fully addressed. Questions posed at least one week before the Pre-Proposal Conference may be addressed in the Pre-Proposal Conference presentation or on the SMEXQ&A page. The deadline for other questions is two (2) weeks before the proposal due date.

All questions or comments about the Astrophysics SMEX 2026 AO shall be addressed via email to Daniel Moses, APSMEX26 Lead Program Scientist, dan.moses@nasa.gov; Hannah JangCondell, APSMEX26 Deputy Program Scientist, hannah.jang-condell@nasa.gov; and Omar Torres, Lead Acquisition Manager for the 2026 Astrophysics SMEX AO, SOMA omar.torres@nasa.gov using subject line “APSMEX26” to be properly routed.

Any costs incurred in preparing a submission in response to this notice or the full APSMEX26 AO are solely the responsibility of the submitter. 

The post Announcement of Opportunity SMEX 2026 appeared first on NASA Science.

Dear Physics of the Cosmos (PhysCOS) community members-

As we prepare for our Ad ASTRA Community Science Workshop, we are writing to share important updates regarding the agenda structure and instructions for abstract submissions. 

The Community Science (Ad ASTRA) Workshop is organized by the NASA Astrophysics Division to engage the community in identifying future large, strategic astrophysics missions. Structured over three thematic days—Science, Capabilities and Implementation, and Community Discussion—the workshop provides a comprehensive framework to connect scientific priorities with technological readiness and mission implementation. Across all three days, plenaries, panels, breakout sessions, and poster contributions are designed to maximize community interactions and discussion. The outcomes of the workshop will help NASA prioritize mission concepts and shape a balanced, forward-looking astrophysics portfolio that is consistent with the Astro2020 recommendations and existing and future science gaps.

To best serve the community and facilitate meaningful collaboration, we are splitting the mission concept presentations into two distinct focuses: Science on Day 1, and Capabilities and Implementation on Day 2. We are relying on you—the concept teams and the broader community—to submit abstracts for both days. We are also offering the option to present mission concepts as posters, and will offer the opportunity to present as posters any abstracts for which there is insufficient room in the parallel sessions.

Please review the detailed agenda structure and submission guidelines below:

Day 1: Science Focus

• Science Questions: Day 1 will focus on open science priorities and questions from strategic documents (Astro 2020 Decadal Survey, Enduring Quests – Daring Visions from 2014) and more recent science questions that the mission concepts submitted to ASTRA will address. 
• Abstract Submission: Presentations for Day 1 are not restricted to mission concept team members. We strongly encourage other scientists in the community to submit abstracts presenting important science questions and to use this opportunity to connect with concept teams.
• Breakout Sessions: These sessions will be organized by science themes (Compact Objects and Energetic Phenomena, Cosmology, Galaxies, Exoplanets & Astrobiology, Stars and Stellar Populations). Moderators will present a summary of the panel discussions at the end of Day 1.

Day 2: Mission Concepts – Capabilities and Implementation

• Focus: Day 2 is focused on implementation, capabilities, and technologies (software and hardware) relevant to the ASTRA submitted mission concepts. A summary of the Innovation for Astrophysics Missions Workshop (May 2026) will inform discussions regarding industry and other capabilities and opportunities that may be leveraged. 
• Breakout Sessions: These sessions will be organized by capability groups, which will be determined once the submitted mission concept documents are reviewed.
• Format & Goals: Breakout sessions will feature a mix of presentations and flexible discussion. The goal is for teams with concepts at varying maturity levels to collaborate, find commonalities, and strengthen their respective capability groups.
• Abstract Submission Note: Teams may submit multiple abstracts for these sessions if their concept spans different capabilities (e.g., requiring both UV and X-ray technologies).

Day 3 & Workshop Outcome

A primary goal of this workshop is to refine a draft “science-to-capabilities” matrix, which will be built using inputs from your submitted ASTRA mission concept documents. During the Day 1 and 2 breakout sessions, moderators will capture key discussion points to present during end-of-day summary panels. On Day 3 of the workshop, we will hold a plenary discussion to recap the week and collaboratively revise the “science-to-capabilities” matrix. Together as a community, we will add, refine, and prioritize science questions, mapping them to mission concepts. 

Key Upcoming Dates:

• 24 June 2026: Abstract submission deadline (link). If you have already submitted an abstract and would like to modify it based on the guidelines above, please delete your previous contribution and send another submission. 
• 26 June 2026: Mission Concept Document submission deadline (template, submission portal)
• 10 July 2026: Contributed abstracts selected for talks and posters 

We look forward to your abstract submissions and to a highly collaborative and productive workshop! 

Best regards,

The Ad ASTRA Workshop Organizing Committee

The post Ad ASTRA Community Science Workshop Updates appeared first on NASA Science.

The deci-Hertz Interferometer Space Antenna

Speaker

Jacob Slutsky, NASA / GSFC

Abstract

The origins and fate of massive compact objects such as black holes, neutron stars, and white dwarfs can only be fully answered by measuring deci-Hertz (dHz) gravitational wave emission. A plethora of innovative mission concepts have been proposed motivated by this need, promising incredible potential sensitivity and requiring substantial technical development. Like COBE rather than Plank, we optimize time to first knowledge over ultimate sensitivity. We describe the highest priority science goals contained in and motivating a dHz observatory, the minimum sensitivity required to make these observations, and the fastest, least-costly mission that meets these minimum requirements. We dub this mission the Deci-hertz Interferometer Space Antenna (DISA).

Seminar Connection

Join the Seminar

The post GW SIG Seminar, 17 June 2026 appeared first on NASA Science.

Dear Astrophysics Strategic Technology & Research Accelerator (ASTRA) community members-

As we prepare for our Ad ASTRA Community Science workshop, we are writing to share important updates regarding the agenda structure and instructions for abstract submissions. 

The Community Science (Ad ASTRA) Workshop is organized by the NASA Astrophysics Division to engage the community in identifying future large, strategic astrophysics missions. Structured over three thematic days—Science, Capabilities and Implementation, and Community Discussion—the workshop provides a comprehensive framework to connect scientific priorities with technological readiness and mission implementation. Across all three days, plenaries, panels, breakout sessions, and poster contributions are designed to maximize community interactions and discussion. The outcomes of the workshop will help NASA prioritize mission concepts and shape a balanced, forward-looking astrophysics portfolio that is consistent with the Astro2020 recommendations and existing and future science gaps.

To best serve the community and facilitate meaningful collaboration, we are splitting the mission concept presentations into two distinct focuses: Science on Day 1, and Capabilities and Implementation on Day 2. We are relying on you—the concept teams and the broader community—to submit abstracts for both days. We are also offering the option to present mission concepts as posters, and will offer the opportunity to present as posters any abstracts for which there is insufficient room in the parallel sessions.

Please review the detailed agenda structure and submission guidelines below:

Day 1: Science Focus

• Science Questions: Day 1 will focus on open science priorities and questions from strategic documents (Astro 2020 Decadal Survey, Enduring Quests – Daring Visions from 2014) and more recent science questions that the mission concepts submitted to ASTRA will address. 
• Abstract Submission: Presentations for Day 1 are not restricted to mission concept team members. We strongly encourage other scientists in the community to submit abstracts presenting important science questions and to use this opportunity to connect with concept teams.
• Breakout Sessions: These sessions will be organized by science themes (Compact Objects and Energetic Phenomena, Cosmology, Galaxies, Exoplanets & Astrobiology, Stars and Stellar Populations). Moderators will present a summary of the panel discussions at the end of Day 1.

Day 2: Mission Concepts – Capabilities and Implementation

• Focus: Day 2 is focused on implementation, capabilities, and technologies (software and hardware) relevant to the ASTRA submitted mission concepts. A summary of the Innovation for Astrophysics Missions Workshop (May 2026) will inform discussions regarding industry and other capabilities and opportunities that may be leveraged. 
• Breakout Sessions: These sessions will be organized by capability groups, which will be determined once the submitted mission concept documents are reviewed.
• Format & Goals: Breakout sessions will feature a mix of presentations and flexible discussion. The goal is for teams with concepts at varying maturity levels to collaborate, find commonalities, and strengthen their respective capability groups.
• Abstract Submission Note: Teams may submit multiple abstracts for these sessions if their concept spans different capabilities (e.g., requiring both UV and X-ray technologies).

Day 3 & Workshop Outcome

A primary goal of this workshop is to refine a draft “science-to-capabilities” matrix, which will be built using inputs from your submitted ASTRA mission concept documents. During the Day 1 and 2 breakout sessions, moderators will capture key discussion points to present during end-of-day summary panels. On Day 3 of the workshop, we will hold a plenary discussion to recap the week and collaboratively revise the “science-to-capabilities” matrix. Together as a community, we will add, refine, and prioritize science questions, mapping them to mission concepts. 

Key Upcoming Dates:

• 24 June 2026: Abstract submission deadline (link). If you have already submitted an abstract and would like to modify it based on the guidelines above, please delete your previous contribution and send another submission. 
• 26 June 2026: Mission Concept Document submission deadline (template, submission portal)
• 10 July 2026: Contributed abstracts selected for talks and posters 

We look forward to your abstract submissions and to a highly collaborative and productive workshop! 

Best regards,

The Ad ASTRA Workshop Organizing Committee

The post Ad ASTRA Community Science Workshop Announcements appeared first on NASA Science.

Dear Astrophysics Strategic Technology & Research Accelerator (ASTRA) community members-

As we prepare for our Ad ASTRA Community Science workshop, we are writing to share important updates regarding the agenda structure and instructions for abstract submissions. 

The Community Science (Ad ASTRA) Workshop is organized by the NASA Astrophysics Division to engage the community in identifying future large, strategic astrophysics missions. Structured over three thematic days—Science, Capabilities and Implementation, and Community Discussion—the workshop provides a comprehensive framework to connect scientific priorities with technological readiness and mission implementation. Across all three days, plenaries, panels, breakout sessions, and poster contributions are designed to maximize community interactions and discussion. The outcomes of the workshop will help NASA prioritize mission concepts and shape a balanced, forward-looking astrophysics portfolio that is consistent with the Astro2020 recommendations and existing and future science gaps.

To best serve the community and facilitate meaningful collaboration, we are splitting the mission concept presentations into two distinct focuses: Science on Day 1, and Capabilities and Implementation on Day 2. We are relying on you—the concept teams and the broader community—to submit abstracts for both days. We are also offering the option to present mission concepts as posters, and will offer the opportunity to present as posters any abstracts for which there is insufficient room in the parallel sessions.

Please review the detailed agenda structure and submission guidelines below:

Day 1: Science Focus

• Science Questions: Day 1 will focus on open science priorities and questions from strategic documents (Astro 2020 Decadal Survey, Enduring Quests – Daring Visions from 2014) and more recent science questions that the mission concepts submitted to ASTRA will address. 
• Abstract Submission: Presentations for Day 1 are not restricted to mission concept team members. We strongly encourage other scientists in the community to submit abstracts presenting important science questions and to use this opportunity to connect with concept teams.
• Breakout Sessions: These sessions will be organized by science themes (Compact Objects and Energetic Phenomena, Cosmology, Galaxies, Exoplanets & Astrobiology, Stars and Stellar Populations). Moderators will present a summary of the panel discussions at the end of Day 1.

Day 2: Mission Concepts – Capabilities and Implementation

• Focus: Day 2 is focused on implementation, capabilities, and technologies (software and hardware) relevant to the ASTRA submitted mission concepts. A summary of the Innovation for Astrophysics Missions Workshop (May 2026) will inform discussions regarding industry and other capabilities and opportunities that may be leveraged. 
• Breakout Sessions: These sessions will be organized by capability groups, which will be determined once the submitted mission concept documents are reviewed.
• Format & Goals: Breakout sessions will feature a mix of presentations and flexible discussion. The goal is for teams with concepts at varying maturity levels to collaborate, find commonalities, and strengthen their respective capability groups.
• Abstract Submission Note: Teams may submit multiple abstracts for these sessions if their concept spans different capabilities (e.g., requiring both UV and X-ray technologies).

Day 3 & Workshop Outcome

A primary goal of this workshop is to refine a draft “science-to-capabilities” matrix, which will be built using inputs from your submitted ASTRA mission concept documents. During the Day 1 and 2 breakout sessions, moderators will capture key discussion points to present during end-of-day summary panels. On Day 3 of the workshop, we will hold a plenary discussion to recap the week and collaboratively revise the “science-to-capabilities” matrix. Together as a community, we will add, refine, and prioritize science questions, mapping them to mission concepts. 

Key Upcoming Dates:

• 24 June 2026: Abstract submission deadline (link). If you have already submitted an abstract and would like to modify it based on the guidelines above, please delete your previous contribution and send another submission. 
• 26 June 2026: Mission Concept Document submission deadline (template, submission portal)
• 10 July 2026: Contributed abstracts selected for talks and posters 

We look forward to your abstract submissions and to a highly collaborative and productive workshop! 

Best regards,

The Ad ASTRA Workshop Organizing Committee

The post Ad ASTRA Community Science Workshop Announcements appeared first on NASA Science.

https://science.nasa.gov/astrophysics/programs/cosmic-origins/community/cosmic-origins-seminar-10-june-2026

Dear Cosmic Origins Community,

The ASTRA initiative (linked below) will promote new strategic mission concepts for astrophysics. We would like to encourage you to think about new strategic mission concepts for the coming decades of astrophysics. Please join us for a community webinar next Wednesday, June 10, 12:00 – 1:00 pm ET ( 9:00 – 10:00 am PT) where we will discuss ASTRA.

As part of ASTRA, the Community Science (Ad ASTRA) Workshop will take place 1-3 September 2026 in Pasadena. New concept ideas will be discussed at this event.

To join the ASTRA initiative, mission concept template is now available (linked below). There are also instructions for submission. Submitted concept ideas will be discussed at the September workshop.

Associated links:

• Connection information: https://science.nasa.gov/astrophysics/programs/cosmic-origins/community/cosmic-origins-seminar-10-june-2026/
• ASTRA Initiative: https://science.nasa.gov/astrophysics/programs/cosmic-origins/studies/astra-initiative/
• Mission Concept Template: https://science.nasa.gov/astrophysics/programs/cosmic-origins/community/astra-mission-concept-template-and-submission-form/

We look forward to talking with you next week.

Shouleh Nikzad, Chair
Sabrina Stierwalt, Vice-Chair

COPAG Executive Committee

The post TODAY: Cosmic Origins Community Webinar, 10 June 2026 appeared first on NASA Science.

ASTRA Initiative Community Brainstorming Session

The IRSTIG will host a community brainstorming session from 1-3pm ET / 10am – 12pm PT. We understand this is short notice, however given the rapidly approaching ASTRA workshop abstract deadline (June 24^th) and ASTRA mission concept template submission deadline (June 26^th), we feel that this coming Friday is our best opportunity to rally the IR community.  As such, we will be holding an open-invite brainstorming session to help energize and organize the community. This will be a rather freeform meeting to allow for flexibility, but a rough schedule is as follows:

1. We will begin at 1pm ET/ 10am PT with a brief introduction to the ASTRA initiative and our charge in developing concepts from Peter Kurczynski, Chief Scientist of the NASA Cosmic Origins Program Office.
2. Following this, we will open the floor to any member of the community to present a 3 slide / 2min pitch of a mission pre-concept (i.e. does not have to be a fully formed idea). This could look like one or more interesting science questions that you are looking for collaborators to help build into a well-founded mission concept, to a cutting edge technology that could be infused into or enable a future IR mission and you’d like science investigators to help develop, to a concept that has been already submitted to a competitive mission selection process. The goal here is to bring the community together and encourage a breadth of ideas so that community members may figure out where they can contribute and participate in the ASTRA process.
3. Following these pitches, we would open the floor for a discussion of the recurrent and over-arching science theme drivers that motivate cosmic origins mission development, distilling the outcome into broad topical/mission bins.
4. In the last ~hour, we will enable breakout rooms around these topics so that community members can self-organize. The goal here is to form small teams that will eventually complete and submit an ASTRA initiative mission concept template found here.

Meeting connection information will be provided prior to Friday. Please feel free to share amongst your colleagues and students, our community benefits from a diversity of ideas. We hope to see you there!

Meeting Connection

Join the Meeting

The post IR STIG Meeting, 12 June 2026 appeared first on NASA Science.

The ASTRA Initiative

Speaker

Jessica Gaskin

The ASTRA initiative will promote new strategic mission concepts for astrophysics, see here. We would like to encourage you to think about new strategic mission concepts for the coming decades of astrophysics.

As part of ASTRA, the Community Science (Ad ASTRA) Workshop will take place 1-3 September 2026 in Pasadena. New concept ideas will be discussed at this event.

To join the ASTRA initiative, mission concept template is now available, see here. There are also instructions for submission. Submitted concept ideas will be discussed at the September workshop.

Seminar Connection

Join the Seminar

The post Cosmic Origins Seminar, 10 June 2026 appeared first on NASA Science.

The 248th AAS meeting (joint with HEAD and Laboratory Astrophysics Divisions) will be held 14-18 June in Pasadena, California.

• Sign up for our news email list
• Check out what opportunities are available with NASA
• Follow along for breaking news releases this week

Join us in the exhibit hall at the NASA booth and attend the NASA sessions.

Monday, 15 June 2026

Time	Session	Location
10:00am ‑ 11:30am PT	NASA’s Future Large Gamma Ray (FLAG) Mission Concepts Working Group	Pasadena Convention Center ‑   Conference Center, 204

Summary

The Future Large Gamma-ray Mission Concepts working group will hold a hybrid work session to review progress and needed inputs for a technical report on gamma-ray instrumentation. Working group members will present updates and lead discussions to complete gathering of input on gamma-ray capabilities, mission concepts, and technologies. The group will work on identifying and filling gaps in the draft and refining the content of the report.

Wednesday, 17 June 2026

Time	Session	Location
11:40am ‑ 1:10pm	XR SIG Special Session HEAD: Toward the 2030 Decadal: Science Cases for Potential Future X-ray Mission Concepts	Pasadena Convention Center ‑  Conference Center, 211

XR SIG Special Session Agenda

Time	Topic	Speaker	Presentation
11:40am ‑ 11:50am	Introduction	Dave Pooley, Trinity University Breanna Binder, Cal Poly Pomona
11:50am ‑ 11:56am	High Angular Resolution X-ray Imager SAG: Updates & Results I	Kimberly Weaver, NASA/GSFC
11:56am ‑ 12:03pm	High Angular Resolution X-ray Imager SAG: Updates & Results II	Scott Randall, CfA
12:03pm ‑ 12:10pm	High Angular Resolution X-ray Imager SAG: Updates & Results III	Herman Marshall, MIT
12:10pm ‑ 12:20pm	Lynx 2030 SAG: Updates & Results I	Steven Ehlert, NASA/MSFC
12:20pm ‑ 12:30pm	Lynx 2030 SAG: Updates & Results II	Fabio Pacucci, CfA
12:30pm ‑ 12:36pm	Broad-Band X-ray Observatory SAG: Updates & Results I	Chien‑Ting Chen, USRA/NASA MSFC
12:36pm ‑ 12:43pm	Broad-Band X-ray Observatory SAG: Updates & Results II	Kristin Madsen, NASA/GSFC
12:43pm ‑ 12:50pm	Broad-Band X-ray Observatory SAG: Updates & Results II	Daniel Stern, JPL
12:50pm ‑ 1:10pm	X-ray Timing SAG: Updates & Results	Thomas Maccarone, Texas Tech

Thursday, 18 June 2026

Time	Session	Location
10:00am ‑ 11:30am	Special Session: Planning for the Future of Astrophysics and the ASTRA Initiative	Pasadena Convention Center ‑  Ballroom G

ASTRA Initiative Special Session

Time	Topic	Speaker	Presentation
10:00am ‑ 10:10am	Introduction from the NASA Astrophysics Division Director	Shawn Domagal‑Goldman
10:10am ‑ 10:25am	The ASTRA Initiative: Overview & Path Forward	Jessica Gaskin, NASA HQ
10:25am ‑ 10:40am	Innovation for Astrophysics Workshop: Initial Findings	Kendra Short, JPL
10:40am ‑ 10:55am	Ad ASTRA Community Science Workshop	Peter Kurczynski, NASA/GSFC
10:55am ‑ 11:30am	Panel Discussion	Francesca Civano, NASA/GSFC

The post AAS Meeting 248, June 2026 appeared first on NASA Science.

Sunday, 14 June 2026

Fornax Workshop

Time	Session	Location
2:00pm ‑ 4:00pm	An Introduction to Fornax: Scalable Data and Compute for Scientific Analysis	Pasadena Convention Center – Conference Center, 101

Related Workshops

Time	Session	Location
10:00am ‑ 12:00pm	High Energy Science Analysis with HEASARC Services	Pasadena Convention Center – Conference Center, 102
10:00am ‑ 11:30am	Euclid Data in the Cloud: Access, Analysis, and Science Opportunities	Pasadena Convention Center – Conference Center, 101

Wednesday, 17 June 2026

Time	Session	Title	Speaker	Location
10:00am ‑ 11:30am	Simulated Universes for Precision Cosmology	Accessing and Analyzing OpenUniverse 2024 Simulations through IRSA and Fornax	Vandana Desai	Pasadena Convention Center – Exhibit Halls & Ballrooms, Ballroom F

Thursday, 18 June 2026

Time	Session	Title	Speaker	Location
2:00pm ‑ 3:30pm	40 Years of Community Engagement at IPAC: Lessons Learned	Building User Support for Fornax: Community Engagement for Cloud-Based Astrophysics	Vandana Desai	Pasadena Convention Center – Exhibit Halls & Ballrooms, Ballroom

Related Sessions of Interest

Date	Session Title	Time	Location
Monday, 15 June	NASA’s Future Large Gamma-ray Mission Concepts Working Group	10:00am ‑ 11:30am	Pasadena Convention Center ‑ Conference Center, 204
Tuesday, 16 June	NASA’s Big Science, Small Missions	10:00am ‑ 11:30am	Pasadena Convention Center ‑ Conference Center, 204

The post Fornax Initiative at AAS 248, June 2026 appeared first on NASA Science.

Discussion on ASTRA Whitepapers

This webinar will be on the ASTRA initiative, as the deadline for white paper submissions approaches (June 26th). We will present some brief updates about the process and the September Ad ASTRA workshop, as well as hear brief presentations about the science impact of the planned white paper submissions. 

Speakers

John Krizmanic

Pier Simone Marrocchesi

Stefano Profumo

Toni Venters

Tsuguo Aramkaki

Keith McBride

Philip von Doetinchem

Stephanie Wissel

Priya Ghosh

Current Agenda

1. ASTRA-Related Updates
2. Low-Energy Antinuclei Searches
3. Lunar Cosmic Ray Observatory
4. Ultrahigh Energy Cosmic Rays and Neutrinos

Meeting Connection

Join the Meeting

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The Community Science (Ad ASTRA) Workshop is organized by the NASA Astrophysics Division to engage the community in defining future large, strategic astrophysics missions. Structured over three thematic days—Science, Capabilities, and Missions—the workshop provides a comprehensive framework to connect scientific priorities with technological readiness and mission implementation. Across all three days, plenaries, panels, breakout sessions, and poster contributions are designed to maximize community input. The outcomes of the workshop will help NASA prioritize mission concepts and shape a balanced, forward-looking astrophysics portfolio.

This workshop is organized by the NASA Astrophysics Program Offices in partnership with the Infrared Processing and Analysis Center (IPAC).

Important Dates: 

• Registration opens: March 31, 2026
• Abstract deadline: June 24, 2026
• Contributed talks/posters selection: July 1, 2026
• Deadline for in-person registration: August 15, 2026
• Deadline for virtual registration: August 31, 2026

Session Connection: Join the Session

Day 1 Science

Time	Topic	Speakers	Presentations
8:30am	Introduction to ASTRA	Shawn Domagal-Goldman, APD Director
9:00am	Plan for the Workshop: Deliverables and Mandate (Day 1 focus)	Jessica Gaskin, APD AD for Concept and Tech Development
9:20am	How did we get here: PhysPAG	Manel Errando, PhysPAG EC chair
9:40am	How did we get here: COPAG	Shouleh Nikzad, COPAG EC Chair
10:00am	How did we get here: EXOPAG	Ian Crossfield, ExoPAG EC Chair
10:20am	Morning Break
11:00am	Pressing Science Questions for Space Missions in the 2030s and Beyond Parallel Breakout Sessions: -Compact Objects and Energetic Phenomena -Cosmology -Galaxies -Exoplanets & Astrobiology -Stars and Stellar Populations	Contributed presentations from community members (TBA after abstract selection)
12:30pm	Lunch
	Afternoon
2:00pm	Pressing Science Questions for Space Missions in the 2030s and Beyond Parallel Breakout Sessions: -Compact Objects and Energetic Phenomena -Cosmology -Galaxies -Exoplanets & Astrobiology -Stars and Stellar Populations	Contributed presentations from community members (TBA after abstract selection)
3:30pm	Afternoon Break
4:00pm	Synthesis Panel on Pressing Science Questions for Space Missions in the 2030s and Beyond	Breakout Session Moderators
5:00pm	Evening Reception
7:00pm	End of Day 1

Day 2 Capabilities

Session Connection: Join the Session

Time	Topic	Speakers	Presentations
9:00am	Plan for the Workshop: Deliverables and Mandate (Day 2 focus)	EC PAG Chairs
9:10am	Innovation Workshop Summary	Innovation Workshop SOC speaker
9:50am	NASA Strategic Technology Gaps	Chief Technologist from PAGs
10:10am	Morning Break
10:40am	Emerging Technologies (session)	Presentations from  community/industry members (TBA)
12:30pm	Lunch
	Afternoon
2:00pm	Astrophysics Technology: Capabilities Needed Parallel Breakout Sessions: What are  the capabilities needed (software and hardware, platform, location) relevant to the ASTRA submitted mission concepts? -Breakout categories TBD	Contributed presentations from  community members (TBA after abstract selection)
4:00pm	Afternoon Break
4:45pm	Synthesis panel to summarize the breakout sessions on capabilities	Breakout Session Moderators
5:45pm	End of Day 2

Day 3 Wrap UP

Session Connection: Join the Session

Time	Topic	Speakers	Presentations
9:00am	Plan for the workshop: Deliverables and Mandate (Day 3 focus)	EC PAG Chairs
9:10am	Beyond the Selection: The Path Forward	Jessica Gaskin, APD AD for Concept and Tech Development
9:50am	Workshop synthesis 1: Key Science Questions for the 2030s and Beyond	TBA
10:50am	Morning Break
11:20am	Workshop synthesis 2: Key Technology Capabilities for the 2030s and Beyond	TBA
12:20pm	Lunch
	Afternoon
2:00pm	Building the Future: Community consensus on Science, Capabilities, and Missions for the next decades	TBA
3:30pm	Closing Remarks	TBA
4:00pm	End of Day 3

The post Community Science (Ad ASTRA) Workshop, Sept 2026 appeared first on NASA Science.

The Habitable Worlds Observatory Technology Maturation Project Office and Columbus Technologies are excited to invite you to participate in a Detector System Development Study focused on developing critical detector technologies for the Habitable Worlds Observatory. This request for proposals seeks information from qualified organizations capable of supporting detector technology maturation studies to advance candidate technologies toward Technology Readiness Level 5. Specifically, we are seeking responses to address one or more of the following detectors categories: photon-counting detectors for visible and near-infrared coronagraph applications, far-ultraviolet detectors, and large-format detectors for near-ultraviolet and visible applications. Details regarding the call for proposals, eligibility, required deliverables, and study phases are available at the Columbus Technologies website.

Respondents located at Government agencies including the Jet Propulsion Laboratory or NASA Centers (e.g., Goddard Space Flight Center, Ames Research Center, etc.) should submit their responses directly to Daniel Kelly (daniel.p.kelly@nasa.gov).

Note: Responses are due by 7 July 2026.

The post HWO Detector System Development Study appeared first on NASA Science.

The NASA Astrobiology Program and DARES Task Force 2 are pleased to announce the opening of the public comment period for the draft Decadal Astrobiology Research and Exploration Strategy (NASA-DARES).  

The draft report, available in slide form, is available here: NASA-DARES Draft [PDF] . NB: Findings from Focus Area 9: Astrobiology in Society are forthcoming. 

An abbreviated summary, presented at AbSciCon, is available for viewing here: NASA-DARES Presentation Video. The NASA-DARES presentation begins at approximately 38:27 in the recording. 

Feedback on the draft Strategy should be submitted according to the following guidelines: 

• Email comments to HQ-RFIastrobio@mail.nasa.gov with the subject line “NASA-DARES Public Comment”.  
• As relevant, please indicate the Focus Area(s) addressed by your comment at the beginning of your response. 
• Comments may be submitted by an individual or on behalf of a community group, organization, or other collective body. 
• Anonymous submissions will not be considered. 
• Comments will only be accepted as attached PDF files or as in-line email text. 
• Comments must be received no later than 11:59p Eastern on 2 July 2026. Comments received after this deadline will not be considered. 

As a reminder, NASA-DARES is a non-consensus document. NASA-DARES is not intended to rank priorities, prescribe funding decisions, direct mission selections, establish policy, or replace decadal surveys or other consensus reports. The report is intended to capture a broad range of topics relevant to NASA Astrobiology. Inclusion in NASA-DARES should not be interpreted as an indication of future funding, programmatic priority, mission implementation, or agency commitment. 

For inquiries related to this public comment period, please send an email to HQ-RFIastrobio@mail.nasa.gov addressed to Drs. Rachel L. Harris, Hannah Jang-Condell, and Becky McCauley Rench. Kindly use the subject line “Question RE: NASA-DARES Public Comment Period” when submitting your questions.

The post NASA-DARES Draft Strategy Open for Public Comment appeared first on NASA Science.

We are pleased to send out this first announcement for a pre-proposal workshop in preparation for Cycle 4 of the IXPE General Observer (GO) program.

IXPE (the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer) provides unique and powerful X-ray polarization capabilities and has been providing crucial insights into our understanding of X-ray production and the geometry of multiple classes of objects such as neutron stars and pulsar wind nebulae, as well as stellar and supermassive black holes, among others. Overall, IXPE provides simultaneous imaging, spectral, timing, and polarization data for 2-8 keV X-rays.

The workshop will be held virtually on Tuesday 30 June 2026, from 12 noon to 3p Eastern (9a to 12 noon Pacific). This session is presented to update the community on opportunities to propose for the upcoming Cycle 4 IXPE GO program, highlighting any changes from previous cycles. A description of the IXPE mission and a summary of its major scientific achievements will be presented. Opportunities for participation through the General Observer Program, which supports a broad range of opportunities, will be described in detail in an interactive forum. Presentations on user support services, data analysis and software tools, catalogs and other online resources will also be included, followed by ample time for general questions and discussion.  More information can be found on the GO program website.

Registration is open to everyone. The meeting link will be sent via e-mail a day before the start of the meeting to all registered participants. There is no fee to participate in the workshop. Please register on or before 25 June 2026 to receive the link. To receive the link for the workshop, please register your interest by filling out this Google form.

The post IXPE Cycle 4 Pre-Proposal Workshop Announcement appeared first on NASA Science.

We are thrilled to let you know that both registration and abstract submission are officially open for NASA’s 2026 Joint HELIOTECH and Orbital Flight Symposium! By bringing together NASA’s Heliophysics Technology Symposium and Heliophysics Orbital Flight Missions, this joint meeting aims to spark innovation and foster essential collaboration for advancing technology needed to explore not only the Sun-Earth-Moon system but also Mars and destinations beyond. Our intention is to create an engaging forum where technologists, scientists, and mission Principal Investigators (PIs) can connect, share, and collaborate.

Event Details:

• Dates: 31 August – 4 September 2026
• Location: Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, Maryland
• Format: Hybrid—join us in person or virtually via Zoom

Call for Abstracts: Abstract submission is now open and will close on 17 June 2026. If you’re interested in presenting, please submit your abstract using the link below. Abstracts should be a maximum of 2,000 characters and entered directly into the submission Google form. Be sure to specify your preferred presentation type: oral (in-person preferred or remote) or poster (in-person only).

Registration: Registration for the symposium is now open as well, through the symposium website! We encourage everyone to register early, whether you’re attending on-site or virtually.

For additional information about the agenda, lodging, and ongoing updates, please visit our symposium website. We look forward to your participation and contributions and hope to see everyone for an exciting and impactful event! 

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