Interactions News Wire #76-03
11/13/03
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Source: DOE Office of High Energy Physics
Content: DOE and NASA Joint Dark Energy Mission
Date Issued: 11/13/03
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November 13, 2003

Contact person:
Robin Staffin, Director, Office of High Energy Physics
robin.staffin@science.doe.gov

DOE and NASA Joint Dark Energy Mission

DOE and NASA announced their plan for a Joint Dark Energy Mission (JDEM)

on October 23, 2003, at the NASA Office of Space Science Structure and
Evolution of the Universe Subcommittee (SEUS) meeting.  Determining the
nature of dark energy, causing the recently discovered acceleration of
the expansion of the universe, is a high priority science objective for
both DOE and NASA.  Precision measurements of the nature of dark energy
will require a dedicated space-based mission.  The JDEM plan will
include the process for selecting the science team to lead the dark
energy investigation and the basic layout of how the joint project will
be organized and managed.  The science team selected will design and
construct the payload in order to conduct the dark energy scientific
investigation.  Space mission management will be the responsibility of
NASA.  After a mission concept study phase, there will be a joint
DOE/NASA Announcement of Opportunity call for mission proposals and a
competition will be held to select the winning scientist-led team.

Further details can be found at:
http://spacescience.nasa.gov/admin/divisions/sz/SEUS0310/Hertz_JDEM.pdf
and
http://spacescience.nasa.gov/admin/divisions/sz/SEUS0310/JDEM_Roadmap.pdf