A--UPCOMING PARTNERING OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE SMALL EXPLORERS PROGRAM-SMEX

The Goddard Space Flight Center is preparing to release Partnering Opportunity Documents (PODs) in anticipation of the Small Explorers (SMEX) Announcement of Opportunity scheduled for September 2007. These PODs aim to establish partnerships with spacecraft and instrument providers to support the SMEX program. A single spacecraft POD will be issued, outlining specific technical requirements for multiple spacecraft options, allowing providers to submit responses for any or all of these options. Additionally, individual PODs for instruments will be released separately to facilitate specialized partnerships. These documents are expected to be made available within the following week from the contract posting date in mid-July 2007. This approach streamlines the partnering process by providing clear technical criteria and separate opportunities for both spacecraft and instrument contributions, fostering collaboration for the upcoming SMEX missions. The initiative reflects NASA’s commitment to engaging external partners in the development of innovative small-scale exploratory missions.