The NASA Astrobiology Program is hosting a Mission Ideation Factory focused on the search for life on Ocean Worlds. NASA would like to provide early career researchers the opportunity to develop new concepts for astrobiology missions.

This event will be an Ideas Lab-like activity focused on developing astrobiology missions. The goals of the Mission Ideation Factory are on providing an enriching experience for the participants, and is intended to be a first step in further development of top ideas for finding life on Ocean Worlds. Participants are expected to be early career post-docs and graduate students, with an interest in becoming more involved in astrobiology-focused space missions.

Application Deadline: June 30th, 2025

The event will be held for a week beginning October 20, 2025, at the NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) in Cleveland, OH. We encourage those with an interest in participating to submit an application. Applications open on June 1st and close June 30th, 2025 at 11:59pm ET. Applicants can expect to hear back about the selection decisions in the last week of July 2025. NASA will cover the cost of travel, accommodation, and meals for all those selected to participate in the event.

There will be an informational Town Hall for interested participants on Tuesday, June 17th, from 12-1:30pm ET. In addition, for all accepted attendees there will be a virtual orientation scheduled prior to the beginning of the Ideation Factory.