29 January 2021

PI Launchpad: From Science Idea to NASA Mission

This post is adapted from an email sent by NASA's Science Mission Directorate:

NASA Meatball LogoAre you thinking about developing your first flight mission proposal in the next few years but have no idea where to start? If you are a researcher in any NASA Science Mission Directorate (SMD) discipline who wants to take your career to the next level but have not yet held a leadership position on mission proposals or large science teams, this is the workshop for you.

NASA SMD, the University of Arizona, the University of Michigan, the Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL), and the Heising-Simons Foundation will host the Principal Investigator (PI) Launchpad to guide participants through turning their science question into a mission concept. Participants will go step-by-step through the process of developing a science case, defining requirements, building a team, securing partnerships, and obtaining support from their home institution. Participants will also have time for networking and personal reflection as they mature their mission concepts.

We are interested in broadening the pool of potential NASA space mission PIs. People with potentially intersecting marginalized identities are strongly encouraged to apply. There is no cost to attend the workshop. We will select between 35 and 40 participants from the pool of applicants.

Please visit NASA's Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES) to apply and watch the PI Launchpad website for further announcements.

Important Dates

  • Applications due on NSPIRES: 22 March 2021
  • Selections made no later than 3 May 2021
  • Workshop dates: 14-25 June 2021
  • Workshop location: virtual via WebEx

Questions? Email NASA's Science Mission Directorate.