NASA chooses finalists for next small astronomy mission
NASA has chosen four finalists for the organization's next small astronomy mission, both rocket and International Space Station experiments to consider a wide range of astronomical phenomena.
NASA declared March 16 the selection of two Small Explorer, or SMEX, missions and two smaller Missions of Opportunity for additional study. The full-scale SMEX mission proposals will get $2 million each for nine-month idea studies, and the Missions of Opportunity $500,000 each for comparative studies.
“Each of these missions would take the next steps in some of the hottest areas of astrophysics today,” Paul Hertz, director of NASA’s astrophysics division, said in a statement. “With the high science rewards for low dollar amounts, Explorers missions successfully fill the scientific gaps in our ...