The Heliophysics Theory, Modeling, Simulations (H-TMS) program is a component of the Heliophysics Research Program. Proposers interested in this program element are encouraged to see the overview of the Heliophysics Research Program in Appendix B.1 of this ROSES NRA.
The H-TMS program was previously one element of the Heliophysics Grand Challenges Research (H-GCR) program (H-GCR-TMS, last competed in ROSES-2016 as program element B.5). Before that it was called "Heliophysics Theory Program" (HTP, last competed in ROSES-2013). For simplification, this program is now referred to as the Theory, Modeling, and Simulations (TMS) element in the Heliophysics program.
The former Heliophysics Theory Program provides the foundation of the TMS element. Increasingly, as computing power becomes more affordable and more available, numerical simulations and modeling become tools that can and have been used synergistically with data analyses and rigorous theory development to solve the fundamental problems of Heliophysics. Artificial intelligence (AI) and its subset, machine learning (ML), techniques have become potentially effective means for achieving scientific goals and for collecting and analyzing large data sets. Scientists have begun to use "theory-aided" or "knowledge-aided" AI to achieve breakthroughs. All of these tools and techniques can lead the way to new understanding and drive science concepts for future strategic missions.
TMS investigations may use any of these methodologies, separately or together, to address a specific science problem. Theory investigations alone are encouraged. Investigations using the concepts of AI are encouraged. More traditional modeling and simulation are also acceptable for this TMS solicitation. All investigations must compare against observations for ground truth. The ultimate goal of TMS investigations is to provide a complete chain of reasoning extending from the basic laws of nature to comparison with observation to the identification of future quantitative tests of the behavior of the environment. NASA acknowledges this and renames the element "Theory, Modeling, and Simulations".
Deadlines:
- REQUIRED Step 1 proposals: Dec. 15, 2022
- Invited Step 2 proposals: March 14, 2023