NASA Opens New Proposal Cycle for Space Observatories
The agency released an amendment offering a second round of research opportunities for Swift, Fermi, and TESS investigators.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Space
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NASA has announced a second set of proposal opportunities for the Swift, Fermi, and TESS General Investigator programs via ROSES-25 Amendment 80. These initiatives aim to boost scientific participation by funding research, data analysis, and correlative observations.
Why it matters
By providing dedicated funding cycles for these observatories, the agency encourages broader community engagement with mission data. This support allows researchers to conduct specialized analysis, including ground-based work that complements space-based observations.
The programs support varying research tenures, with standard cycles lasting 12 months for Swift, Fermi, and TESS. Specialized tracks allow for extended durations, specifically 2 years for large TESS programs and 3 years for large Fermi proposals.
The players
NASA
The independent agency of the United States federal government is responsible for the civilian space program, as well as aeronautics and space research.
Swift
This multi-wavelength space observatory is designed to detect and study gamma-ray bursts, the most powerful explosions in the universe.
Fermi
The space telescope captures high-energy gamma rays to help scientists understand extreme environments like black holes and active galactic nuclei.
TESS
The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite is an all-sky survey mission designed to discover small planets orbiting the brightest stars in the sky.
The details
Researchers must submit Phase-1 proposals through the ARK RPS system, adhering to guidelines outlined in the D.3 Combined General Investigator General Observer Program. Eligible investigations include theoretical analysis for Swift, Fermi correlative studies, and TESS data acquisition from Sectors 122 through 134.
Timeline
October 20, 2026: ROSES-25 Amendment 80 announced
January 28, 2027: Phase-1 proposal submission deadline
July 1, 2027: Expected start of Swift Cycle 23
September 19, 2027: Start of TESS Cycle 10 observations
September 13, 2028: End of TESS Cycle 10 observations
The Big Picture
This announcement follows the structural protocols established by the D.3 Combined General Investigator General Observer Program. By adhering to this framework, NASA ensures that new research proposals integrate seamlessly into the long-term data analysis pipelines of major space missions.
These grant cycles provide a pathway for researchers and institutions to secure federal backing for advanced astronomical studies. Success in these programs could lead to new discoveries in high-energy physics, stellar evolution, and exoplanetary science.
The takeaway
Researchers interested in utilizing data from Swift, Fermi, or TESS should prepare their submissions well before the January 2027 deadline. Understanding the specific cycle requirements is essential for ensuring projects meet the criteria for selection and funding.
Further reading
For more information on ongoing exploration initiatives, visit the Space section.
More information
View the NASA ROSES-25 Amendment 80 solicitation for full program details.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Science @ NASA.
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