The NASA Astrobiology Program has partnered with KnowInnovation (KI) to host a pilot Astrobiology Mission Ideation Factory focused on the search for life at Mars. NASA would like to provide early career researchers the opportunity to develop new concepts for Astrobiology missions.

This event will be an Ideas Lab-like activity focused on developing Astrobiology missions, will provide an enrichment experience for the participants, and is intended to be a first step in further development of the top ideas. Participants are expected to be early career post-docs and graduate students, with an interest in becoming more involved in astrobiology-focused space missions.

August 21-25, 2023, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Greenbelt, MD

The event will be held for a week beginning August 21, 2023, at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) in Greenbelt, MD. We encourage those with an interest in participating to submit an application. The application window will close on June 30, 2023. Applicants can expect to hear back about the selection decisions by the week of July 10th, 2023. NASA will cover the cost of travel, accommodation, and meals for all those selected to participate in the event.

There will also be a virtual pre-event Microlab for participants on Friday, August 4th from 12-2pm ET.

Click here to submit an application.

A virtual Town Hall on Astrobiology Mission Ideation Factory was held on June 12, 2023, from 12:00-1:30pm (ET). To view a recording of the Town Hall, visit: https://vimeo.com/835550888/7f77cbd744

For further information contact Becky McCauley Rench: rebecca.l.mccauleyrench [at] nasa.gov