The NASA-Keck Telescope Allocation Committee (TAC) occasionally receives observing proposals stating that the proposed observations, to a greater or lesser degree, provide critical and timely support for approved NASA space missions. The TAC accepts these Mission Support Proposals and evaluates them on the basis of their scientific merit just as any proposal; however, the NASA Keck time selecting official, the MSC Director, will take the TAC evaluation and programmatic concerns into consideration in making the final time assignments.

All proposals submitted under the mission support category must include the following:

1. A formal justification, in writing, from the flight project, e.g., Project Scientist or Project Manager, including an explanation of the criticality and timeliness of the proposed observations; 
2. A written endorsement from the relevant official at NASA Headquarters; 
3. Clear evidence that the project requires the 10-m Keck Telescopes. 

Web Curator & MSC Cognizant Official: Dawn Gelino