NASA Selects Proposals to Study Galaxies, Stars, Planets
https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-selects-proposals-to-study-galaxies-stars-planets
NASA has selected six astrophysics Explorers Program proposals for concept studies. The proposed missions would study gamma-ray and X-ray emissions
from clusters of galaxies and neutron star systems, as well as infrared emissions from galaxies in the early universe and atmospheres of exoplanets,
which are planets outside of our solar system.
The selected proposals, three Medium-Class Explorers missions and three Explorers Missions of Opportunity, call for focused scientific investigations
and developments of instruments that fill the scientific gaps between the agency’s larger missions.
“The Explorers Program brings out some of the most creative ideas for missions to help unravel the mysteries of the universe,” said Thomas Zurbuchen,
associate administrator of the agency’s Science Mission Directorate in Washington. “The program has resulted in great missions that have returned
transformational science, and these selections promise to continue that tradition.”
The proposals were selected based on potential science value and feasibility of development plans. After concept studies and detailed evaluations,
one of each mission type will be selected by 2019 to proceed with construction and launch. The earliest launch date would be in 2022. Medium-Class
Explorer mission costs are capped at $250 million each, excluding the launch vehicle, and Mission of Opportunity costs are capped at $70 million each.