In force since December 2022, with the issuance of SPD-41a (superseding SPD-41), the NASA Science Mission Directorate now requires immediate public access for all awards after ROSES-2023. Grants awarded prior to ROSES-2023 and existing missions are not required to adopt the new policy requirements, but they are encouraged to do so if feasible with available resources.
SPD-41a defines publications as scientific and technical documents released through print, electronic, or alternative media. This includes peer reviewed manuscripts, technical reports, conference materials, and books. Peer reviewed manuscripts resulting from SMD-funded scientific activities shall be made freely available to the public by default, without any embargo or delay after the publication date.
- Peer-reviewed publications are made openly available with no embargo period.
- Research data and software are shared at the time of publication or the end of the funding award.
- Mission data are released as soon as possible, and unrestricted mission software is developed openly.
- Science workshops and meetings are held openly to enable broad participation.
