The Astrophysics Explorers Program conducts Principal Investigator (PI)-led space science investigations relevant to SMD's astrophysics programs. Explorer investigations must address NASAs goals to discover the origin, structure, evolution, and destiny of the Universe and search for Earth-like planets.

Participation is open to all categories of organizations or institutions, U.S. or non-U.S., including educational, industrial, and not-for-profit institutions, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs), NASA Centers, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), and other Government agencies.

The comment period for the Draft 2014 SMEX AO ends on August 4, 2014.

The issuance of the Draft 2014 Small Astrophysics Explorer AO does not obligate NASA to issue the 2014 Small Explorer AO and solicit proposals. Any costs incurred by prospective investigators in preparing submissions in response to any of these draft solicitations are incurred completely at the submitter's own risk.

Comments on the draft may be addressed in writing or by E-mail to the Astrophysics Explorer Program Scientist: Dr. Wilton T. Sanders, Astrophysics Division, Mail Suite 3U16, Science Mission Directorate, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Washington, DC 20546-0001, E-mail: [email protected] (subject line to read "SMEX AO"). Responses to all inquiries will be answered by E-mail and also posted weekly at the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) location of the Astrophysics Explorer Program Acquisition website at http://explorers.larc.nasa.gov/APSMEX/ ; anonymity of persons/institutions who submit questions will be preserved.