NASA announces overhaul of science mission competitions

NASA will change how it competes and selects science missions under Competition Model 2.0, science chief Nicola Fox announced in a letter published by NASA Watch. Initial proposals will emphasize science, deferring detailed engineering and cost work until needed for selection. Astro-Probes, New Frontiers and Discovery will use an accelerated two-step process, with implementation studies centered on Goddard or JPL and a possible JHU/APL role for selected missions. Smaller mission classes will move to a single-step competition. Fox says implementation will proceed in stages; flagship mission management will retain its existing approach.