# NASA Revises Science Mission Competitions

NASA announced Competition Model 2.0 on October 22, 2026, proposing shorter proposal packages, competitions tailored to mission classes, and greater use of commercial capabilities in science-mission selection. NASA estimates the changes could reduce selection timelines by up to 45% for some mission classes. A virtual town hall is scheduled for October 26, 2026, to discuss implementation and industry participation.

- Companies pursuing NASA science work should prepare for mission-class-specific competitions and shorter proposal submissions as solicitations adopt the new model.
- The potential timeline reduction may change proposal planning and staffing needs; NASA has not specified which mission classes will see the greatest reductions.
- The town hall is in three days. Contractors can use it to obtain details on implementation and industry participation, as identified in the announcement.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Published:** October 22, 2026

### Government Entities
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
- NASA Science Mission Directorate (SMD)
- NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC)
- NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)

### Vendors
- Astrobotic (awardee)
- Firefly Aerospace (awardee)
- Intuitive Machines (awardee)
- Science and Technology Corp. (awardee)

### Sources
- [NASA Unveils New Science Mission Competition Model](https://www.executivegov.com/articles/nasa-unveils-science-mission-competition-model-2-0) - ExecutiveGov