NASA overhauls science mission selection with Competition Model 2.0

NASA unveiled Competition Model 2.0, a reform of how it selects and develops science missions, aimed at cutting costs and speeding up selection. Small SMEX and Earth Venture missions move to a single-stage process, dropping timelines from about 32 to 19 months, while Discovery and New Frontiers shrink from 35 to 19.5 months.

• Initial proposals will require nearly half the material, focusing on science
• Small SMEX and Earth Venture missions move to a single-stage selection
• Small mission selection timelines drop from about 32 to 19 months
• Flagship missions keep their current selection procedures