What's Happening?
NASA has announced a pre-proposal teleconference for the F.10 Payloads and Research Investigations on the Surface of the Moon (PRISM) program, scheduled for December 5, 2025. The PRISM initiative aims to develop and deploy a suite of science-driven instruments
and technology demonstration payloads for lunar exploration. The program supports scientific investigations aligned with the goals of NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate, and Space Technology Mission Directorate. The teleconference will provide potential proposers with updated information, including a new requirement for leveraging survive-the-night services. Interested parties can join the conference via a provided Webex link or by phone.
Why It's Important?
The PRISM program is a critical component of NASA's efforts to advance lunar exploration and scientific research. By fostering the development of innovative technologies and instruments, the program aims to enhance the capabilities for lunar science and exploration. This initiative not only supports NASA's long-term goals for lunar exploration but also contributes to the broader objectives of commercial development of the Moon. The involvement of various NASA directorates highlights the interdisciplinary approach required to achieve these ambitious goals. The program's success could lead to significant advancements in our understanding of the Moon and its potential for future human and robotic exploration.
What's Next?
Following the pre-proposal conference, interested parties will have the opportunity to submit proposals for the PRISM program. These proposals will be evaluated based on their potential to meet the scientific and technological objectives outlined by NASA. Successful proposals will receive funding and support to develop and deploy their instruments and payloads on future lunar missions. The outcomes of these missions could influence future NASA strategies and priorities for lunar exploration, potentially leading to new partnerships and collaborations with international and commercial entities.
