The Planetary Science and Technology from Analog Research (PSTAR) program addresses the need for integrated interdisciplinary field experiments as an integral part of preparation for planned human and robotic missions. Furthermore, the program solicits proposals for investigations focused on exploring the Earth’s extreme environments in order to develop a sound technical and scientific basis to conduct astrobiological research on other solar system bodies. The focus of this program element is on providing high-fidelity scientific investigations, scientific input, and science operations constraints in the context of planetary field campaigns. The current Program Officer for PSTAR is Becky McCauley Rench. A full list of Program Officers can be found at: https://science.nasa.gov/researchers/sara/program-officers-list/.

The PSTAR solicitation is a consolidation of two previous calls: Astrobiology Science and Technology for Exploring Planets (ASTEP) and Moon Mars Analogue and Mission Activities (MMAMA).

Visit the Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences 2024 (ROSES-2024) call for this and other funding opportunities.

Check ROSES-2024 TABLE 2: Solicited Research Programs for proposal due dates.

The NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES) contains information on all NASA-funded research opportunities. Be sure to create an NSPIRES account to receive updates and to respond to NASA research announcements.

Astrobiology Science and Technology for Exploring Planets (ASTEP)

From 2001 – 2014, ASTEP supported investigations focused on exploring Earth’s extreme environments to learn how best to search for life on other planets.