Cresst II the goddard center for research and exploration in space science and technology (cresst) II will carry out observational, experimental, and theoretical research in support of NASA…

This is a $87,532,571.00 cooperative agreement awarded by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Goddard Space Center to the University of Maryland, College Park. The agreement, titled "CRESST II - The Goddard Center for Research and Exploration in Space Science and Technology II", will support observational, experimental, and theoretical research to advance NASA's strategic science mission objectives in areas such as the solar system, stars, galaxies, and the development of data systems and technologies. The agreement allows for substantial programmatic involvement and collaboration between NASA and the University of Maryland to implement NASA's space science goals, build on the university's research capabilities, and increase the participation of minority and women scientists. The agreement does not have a set-aside designation and runs through March 31, 2021. The University of Maryland is a child company of the University System of Maryland, which has also been awarded federal contracts and grants to support various research, educational, and technology initiatives across government agencies.

Cresst II the goddard center for research and exploration in space science and technology (cresst) II will carry out observational, experimental, and theoretical research in support of NASA strategic science mission objectives relating to: a. The solar system, STARS, galaxies, and the universe at large; b. The informational and computational sciences related to the unique needs of data systems required to interpret data from the space sciences; and c. The development of the technology required to achieve these scientific challenges. This cooperative agreement will allow for substantial programmatic involvement in the form of collaboration between gsfc and the cresst II as well as joint development of research objectives. The goal is to establish a focused partnership that: a. Brings together gsfc and external scientists to implement the NASA strategic goal in space science; b. Builds on the capabilities and strengths of participating organization in space science; c. Provides organization and staffing flexibility to adapt to evolving research program needs; d. Increases the involvement of minority and women scientists in space science research; and e. Facilitates access to student talent and provides opportunities for their participation in NASA programs. A broad and vigorous space research program in NASA is vital for the advancement of knowledge. Scientists at NASA in collaboration with outside scientists play a key role in conceiving new space missions, providing mission requirements, and achieving research objectives aimed at understanding the origins, structure and evolution of systems in the universe and exploring the solar system. The cresst II will focus primarily on scientific research. IT is expected to strengthen cooperative relationships between the recipient and government scientists in the goddard sciences and exploration directorate (SED), and will provide a vehicle to increase the involvement of the external science community in the pursuit of NASA goals. The cresst II will conduct research collaboratively with organizational elements within the goddard SED (code 600). Research may involve analysis of data from operating and past missions, and modeling and design of missions planned or under development. Future research activities will evolve as a function of priorities, budgets, funding opportunities, and success of proposal submissions.