What's Happening?
NASA's Science Mission Directorate has released an update regarding the Astrophysics Small Explorer (SMEX) program. The update, announced on January 16, 2026, outlines changes to the draft Announcement
of Opportunity (AO) for the 2025 Astrophysics Small Explorer program. The final AO is expected to be released in the second quarter of 2026. Key changes include a shift to a single-step selection process for investigation proposals, eliminating competitive Phase A studies. The program aims to select a single proposal to proceed as a NASA project, with a projected total duration of 18 months for concept development and preliminary design. The final AO will include specific requirements for project management and system engineering, as well as compliance with orbital debris and cost estimate guidelines.
Why It's Important?
The update to the SMEX program reflects NASA's ongoing efforts to streamline its selection and development processes for space exploration projects. By moving to a single-step selection process, NASA aims to improve efficiency and reduce the time and resources required for project evaluation. This change could lead to faster implementation of innovative astrophysics missions, potentially accelerating scientific discoveries. The program's focus on compliance with orbital debris and cost management highlights NASA's commitment to sustainable and fiscally responsible space exploration. The outcome of this program could have significant implications for the future of astrophysics research and the development of new technologies.
What's Next?
The final AO text is expected to be released no earlier than April 2026, with a pre-proposal conference scheduled approximately three weeks after the release. Proposals will be due 90 days after the AO release, with the selection announcement targeted for the first quarter of 2027. The selected SMEX project is expected to achieve launch readiness by the third quarter of 2031. NASA will continue to provide updates and respond to inquiries through its designated channels, ensuring transparency and engagement with the scientific community.
