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NASA changes how it picks science missions: Competition Model 2.0 explained before Oct. 26 town hall
In brief
NASA's Science Mission Directorate is changing the way it chooses new science missions. Under Competition Model 2.0, proposals will be judged on their science first, and NASA says the time to pick a mission could fall from about 35 months to about 19.5 months. Associate Administrator Nicola "Nicky" Fox will explain the plan at a free virtual town hall on Monday, October 26, 2026, from 2 to 3 p.m. EDT.
Science first
In a letter to the science community, NASA said proposals will no longer need detailed engineering plans and cost work until they are truly needed. For Astro-Probes, New Frontiers and Discovery missions, Step 1 asks for just three things: a strong science case, a science plan and a proof-of-concept mission design. NASA says that removes about half of the material teams used to submit, and gives researchers without big university or company backing a fairer chance.
Step 2 and the timeline
Selected ideas then go through a Mission Implementation Study with NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center or the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. NASA says this could cut the time from announcement to Step 2 selection by up to 45 percent. Flagship missions, the very largest ones, will keep their current process.
How to watch
NASA says the town hall is open to scientists, students, media and the public, with live questions, and a recording will be posted afterward on NASA Science.
VSH take: Faster selection could mean new space missions launch sooner, which is great news for young space fans. Look at our planet on Live Earth from space, test yourself with the space quiz, and convert 2 p.m. EDT to your time with the time zone converter.
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Why it matters
Faster, simpler mission competitions could mean more science missions reach space sooner and more researchers get a fair chance to propose them.
People also ask
What is NASA Competition Model 2.0?
A new way of selecting science missions that judges proposals on science first and adds engineering detail later.
How much faster will it be?
NASA says the time to Step 2 selection could drop from about 35 months to about 19.5 months.
When is the town hall?
Monday, October 26, 2026, from 2 to 3 p.m. EDT, online.
Which missions are affected?
Astro-Probes, New Frontiers and Discovery missions. Flagship missions keep their current process.
Related free tools: Time Zone Converter
Sources
- NASA Science: Faster to Science: A Letter to the Science Community
- NASA Science: NASA Science Leadership to Hold Town Hall Meeting
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