NASA Unveils Updated Decadal Astrobiology Research Strategy for 2025

In an exciting development for the scientific community, NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD) has announced an amendment to its Decadal Astrobiology Research and Exploration Strategy (DARES) for the coming decade. The revised Request for Information (RFI) was initially released on October 8, 2024, but has undergone significant enhancements following valuable feedback from researchers and scientists.

The response date for this important document has now been extended to March 17, 2025, allowing ample time for interested parties to prepare their insights and proposals. This extension gives researchers a unique opportunity to contribute to a strategy that will shape the future of astrobiology exploration and research initiatives.

The NASA team hosted a Town Hall on November 8, 2024, where numerous inquiries regarding DARES were raised. Notably, a Q&A document reflecting the responses to these questions is now accessible. For those unable to attend, a recorded version of the Town Hall is available on YouTube, ensuring that a wide audience can engage with the discussions surrounding this pivotal strategy.

For all relevant details regarding the amended RFI, including submission instructions and further information, participants can visit the NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES) by searching for solicitation number NNH25ZDA002L or using the provided [short URL](https://go.nasa.gov/ABStrategyRFI).

Researchers who wish to pose additional questions must do so by March 3, 2025, by emailing a designated address. This will ensure that their inquiries are addressed either directly or through updates to the Q&A document. However, it's important to note that questions or comments submitted via email will not be considered as RFI submissions.

As scientists look toward exciting discoveries beyond our planet, NASA's DARES 2025 stands as a critical framework that aims to explore the cosmos and answer some of the most pressing questions about life beyond Earth. Don't miss your chance to be a part of this groundbreaking initiative and influence the future of astrobiology research!