GlobalX Challenge 26.2: Naval Southern Hemisphere Space Weather and Plasmas (NSHSWP)

The GlobalX Challenge 26.2 is a funding opportunity issued by the Office of Naval Research (ONR) to accelerate the traditional knowledge generation cycle and discover revolutionary dual-use capability for the benefit of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, the commercial marketplace, and the public. The Challenge focuses on improving the analysis and forecasts of the bottomside ionospheric electron density in the Southern Hemisphere. Proposals should include novel approaches to develop new models or explore unique sensor modalities to calibrate or validate existing models. The expected outcomes of this Challenge are promising, potentially game-changing, applied concepts whose maturity may be accelerated under separate follow-on technology development efforts. Key aspects of the opportunity include: • The Challenge is open to international performers, with a preference for non-U.S.-based research entities. • Proposals should address the Challenge Problem Statement and provide a proof-of-concept that is feasible for testing in established numerical models or calibrating against existing or future measurements. • The grants will be awarded for a 12-month base period of performance at a value up to $250,000, with an optional 12-month period of performance at a value up to $250,000, for a total not exceeding $500,000. • ONR Global expects to issue only research grants from this BAA Call. • The submission of white papers and full proposals will be carried out as described in the BAA Call and the Long-Range BAA.