Summary:
- NASA has established a new class of astrophysics missions called "Pioneers" to provide opportunities for smaller, lower-cost missions to explore the universe.
- The agency has selected three studies for potential Pioneers missions, including a mission to study the nature of dark energy, a mission to observe the first stars and galaxies in the universe, and a mission to study the Sun's corona.
- These Pioneers missions are designed to complement NASA's larger strategic astrophysics missions and provide more frequent opportunities for scientific discovery and technological innovation.