4 Tiny Missions Answering the Biggest Questions in Astrophysics

NASA's Astrophysics Pioneers Program aims to conduct groundbreaking space missions with smaller budgets. The program includes four missions: Aspera, which will study ultraviolet light and galactic mediums; Pandora, which will analyze exoplanet atmospheres; Starburst, which will detect gamma rays from cosmic events; and PUEO, which will detect neutrinos using Antarctic ice. These missions offer opportunities for early-career scientists to lead and contribute to significant astrophysical discoveries.

What is the budget cap for the missions under NASA's Astrophysics Pioneers Program?

What is the primary purpose of the Aspara space telescope?

How does Pandora contribute to exoplanet research?

What are the expected outcomes of the Starburst mission?

What challenges do astronomers face when detecting gamma-ray bursts?

What unique method does PUEO use to detect cosmic rays?

How do the missions under the Astrophysics Pioneers Program differ from traditional NASA missions?