Physics of the Cosmos
Exploring fundamental questions regarding the physical forces of the universe

PhysCOS TDAMM Study and ACROSS Pilot

Animation: Doomed Neutron Stars Create Blast of Light and Gravitational Waves. Credit: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center / CI Lab

In response to the Astro2020 decadal report’s recommendation that time-domain and multi-messenger (TDAMM) astrophysics is the highest-priority sustaining activity in space, the NASA Astrophysics Division directed the Physics of the Cosmos Program Office to study implementation options for a general observer science support capability focused on enabling TDAMM science in October 2022.

  • The first year of the study focused on NASA’s space-based assets. A two-year Astrophysics Cross-Observatory Science Support (ACROSS) pilot phase (2024 – 25) was approved to begin development of cross-observatory science-support tools, operations concepts, and infrastructure to facilitate space-based follow-up observations, as well as development of a TDAMM-focused research solicitation.
  • In parallel with the pilot, the subsequent phases of the study will examine opportunities to engage and coordinate with ground-based assets in the U.S. as well as ground- and space-based assets globally.

Points of Contact

Name Institution
Study Scientist Brian Humensky NASA / GSFC
Implementation Scientist Jamie Kennea Penn State
Manager Chris Roberts NASA / GSFC

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