  The primary scientific goal of the GRIPS mission is to revolutionize our
understanding of the early universe using gamma-ray bursts. We propose a new
generation gamma-ray observatory capable of unprecedented spectroscopy over a
wide range of gamma-ray energies (200 keV--50 MeV) and of polarimetry
(200--1000 keV). Secondary goals achievable by this mission include direct
measurements of supernova interiors through gamma-rays from radioactive decays,
nuclear astrophysics with massive stars and novae, and studies of particle
acceleration near compact stars, interstellar shocks, and clusters of galaxies.
