4 February 2025
E.12 Physical Sciences Research Studies solicits proposals to investigate physical phenomena in the absence of gravity and fundamental laws that describe the universe, and applied research, which contributes to the basic understanding of processes underlying space exploration technologies. The program is divided into two key goals: Foundations and Quantum Leaps. Foundations focuses on understanding the behavior of fluids, combustion, soft matter, and materials in the spaceflight environment. Quantum Leaps aims to probe the very nature of the universe using exquisitely precise space-based quantum sensors to test the Einstein equivalence principle, dark sector physics, and the nature of fundamental physical constants.
This opportunity will include four different Project Types: Research Investigations, New NASA Investigators, Physical Sciences Informatics (PSI), and Fundamental Physics Investigations. Specific requirements for each of these Project Types are described in detail in Section 2.2 of this program element. The Project Types have different platform opportunities described in Section 2.3.
ROSES-2024 Amendment 86 releases final text and due dates for E.12 Physical Sciences Research Studies, which was previously released as draft. Step-1 proposals are due 25 February 2025, and Step-2 proposals are due 20 May 2025.
Slides from a 22 January 2025 preproposer’s town hall for applicants interested in submitting a proposal to this program element are available on the program element’s NSPIRES page under "Other Documents."
Please direct questions concerning E.12 Physical Sciences Research Studies to Brad Carpenter (regarding Foundations and PSI) or Mike Robinson (regarding Quantum Leaps) by writing to BPS-PhysicalSciences@nasaprs.com.