• Submitted Proposal
• Many thanks to these individuals who contributed text and comments: Chuck Bennett, Jeff Booth, Julian Borrill, Jens Chluba, Brendan Crill, Olivier Dore, Josquin Errard, Raphael Flauger, Aurelien Fraisse, Ken Ganga, Kris Gorski, Daniel Green, Bill Jones, Al Kogut, Lloyd Knox, Charles Lawrence, Jeff McMahon, Peter Meinhold, Giles Novak, Lyman Page, Clem Pryke, Roger O'Brient, Paolo Serra, Christian Reichardt, Graca Rocha, Toki Suzuki, Sarah Shandera, Ed Wollack

• Wed. Nov. 2: Organization + Mission Activities

• Sept. 7 Telecon Slides

1. A clear description of the scientific objectives and how these are met by the proposed science investigation(s), measurements, and capabilities supported by the mission concept and how they relate to NASA’s strategic objectives in Astrophysics. In addition, the relationship of the proposed science investigation to the present state of knowledge in the field, to the current readiness of needed technologies, and to any other relevant missions currently operating or under development, and synergies with current and future missions, both space- and ground-based, should be addressed;
2. A clear description of the current readiness levels for mission critical technologies, especially any not currently under development at NASA, and a rationale supporting the stated readiness levels in the proposal, including, where possible, laboratory or field demonstrations of the technologies;
3. A sound justification of why a Probe-size mission is required to address the science goals; concepts for missions that can be realized within the Astrophysics Explorers Program will be considered noncompliant and will not be considered for selection;
4. For mission concepts already studied in the past or ongoing (see Section 3.1 above), a robust justification of the value of the proposed additional study;
5. A rationale detailing why it is expected that the mission should be feasible for less than ~$1B; and
6. A detailed management plan, including a statement of work to be undertaken over the proposed period of performance (not to exceed 1.5 years, or 18 calendar months).

NASA 2014 Strategic Plan Relevant stuff: Strategic Goal 1: Expand the frontiers of knowledge, capability, and opportunity in space. Objective 1.6: Discover how the universe works, explore how it began and evolved, and search for life on planets around other stars.

NASA 2014 Science Plan Relevant page: 74 (77 of PDF) How does the universe work? How did we get here? Are we alone?

Each of these questions is accompanied by a science goal that shapes the Astrophysics Division’s efforts towards fulfilling NASA’s strategic objective: Probe the origin and destiny of our universe, including the nature of black holes, dark energy, dark matter and gravity Explore the origin and evolution of the galaxies, stars and planets that make up our universe.