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This target business area is focused on missions and technologies supporting NASA’s Exploration of the Universe theme. Of particular interest are the following questions:
- How do galaxies, stars, and planetary systems form and evolve? (Cosmic structure)
- What is the diversity of worlds beyond our solar system? (The search for exo-solar planets)
- Which planets might harbor life? (The search for Earth-like planets)
- What powered the big bang? (The origin of the universe)
- What is the nature of the mysterious dark energy that is pulling the universe apart? (The fate of the universe)
- What happens to space, time and matter at the edge of a black hole? (Regions of extreme gravity and new states of matter)
- What are the cycles of matter and energy in the evolving universe? (The evolution of the universe
the Beyond Einstein Foundation Science Program, the Origins Probes, and a broad range of Vision missions are addressing these questions.
Laboratory experiments; modeling; theoretical investigations; the
development of instruments, detectors, and optical systems; large space telescopes, and formation flying are included in this business area.
IRAD Point of Contact:
John Mitchell
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