What's Happening?
NASA has announced an amendment to its Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) 2025, specifically affecting the Exoplanets Research Program (XRP). The Step-2 due date for proposals under
this program has been deferred to February 2, 2026. The XRP is a cross-divisional initiative managed by NASA's Science Mission Directorate, involving the Astrophysics, Planetary Science, and Heliophysics divisions. This program encourages proposals that integrate multiple scientific disciplines, aiming to enhance the understanding of exoplanets and their formation. The amendment was posted on January 22, 2026, and is available on NASA's research opportunity homepage and SARA's ROSES blog.
Why It's Important?
The deferral of the Exoplanets Research Program deadline is significant as it provides researchers with additional time to develop comprehensive proposals that could advance the understanding of exoplanets. This extension may lead to more robust and interdisciplinary research submissions, potentially resulting in groundbreaking discoveries in the field of astrophysics. The program's focus on cross-divisional collaboration underscores NASA's commitment to fostering innovative research that transcends traditional scientific boundaries. This could have long-term implications for space exploration and our understanding of planetary systems beyond our own.
What's Next?
With the new deadline set for February 2026, researchers have an extended period to refine their proposals. This additional time may lead to increased collaboration among scientists from different disciplines, potentially enhancing the quality and scope of the research submitted. NASA will continue to provide updates and support to interested parties through its communication channels, ensuring that potential applicants are well-informed about the program's requirements and objectives.
