MPS Astronomical Sciences Research Programs (MPS Astro)
Updated
Grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation, open to any type of applicant. Closes Oct 7, 2076, 18250 days left.
| Opportunity number | 26-522 |
|---|---|
| Agency | U.S. National Science Foundation |
| Funding type | Grant |
| Field | Science, technology and other research and development |
| Total program funding | $100.0 million |
| Cost sharing or matching | Not required |
| Assistance listing | 47.049 |
| Posted | Aug 17, 2026 |
| Closes | Oct 7, 2076 (18250 days left) |
| Add the deadline to | Google Calendar |
Who can apply
- Unrestricted: any type of applicant
Description
The U.S. National Science Foundation Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (NSF MPS) supports multiple research programs in the astronomical sciences. NSF MPS funds foundational astronomical sciences research and instrumentation focused on exploring space and advancing fundamental understanding of the universe.The programs covered by this funding opportunity are:Astronomical Sciences Core ResearchAstronomical Sciences Technology & InstrumentationAstronomical Sciences InnovationsResearch supported by these programs is essential for ongoing discovery in a range of fields.
The programs provide a strong scientific foundation for America's capabilities in multiple areas: predicting solar storms, discovering potentially habitable planets in other solar systems, understanding the physical workings of extreme astrophysical objects like black holes, and more.NSF MPS is particularly interested in intellectually ambitious and potentially transformative foundational research.
Proposals need not promise a near-term product, deployment, or commercial outcome, nor need they address later-stage development to be competitive.
Full announcement and how to apply on Grants.gov
Science, technology and other research and development grants right now
There are 99 open federal grants in science, technology and other research and development that small businesses may apply for; 46 close within 30 days. The median award ceiling is $1.2 million. The agencies offering the most are Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity - DHACA, U.S. National Science Foundation and National Institute of Justice. Grants in this field stay open a median of 154 days.
Who has won this program before
- Association Of Universities For Research IN Astronomy, Inc. $570.6 million · from Jul 1, 2014
- Associated Universities Inc $497.0 million · from Oct 1, 2016
- Associated Universities Inc $434.1 million · from Oct 1, 2016
- Association Of Universities For Research IN Astronomy, Inc. $296.5 million · from Jun 1, 2015
- Association Of Universities For Research IN Astronomy, Inc. $181.5 million · from Oct 1, 2022
The largest grants and cooperative agreements under assistance listing 47.049 with payments since Oct 1, 2025, from USAspending.gov. Amounts are each award's total.
Other open grants in the same program
Under assistance listing 47.049, the federal program this grant is paid from.
More open grants from the U.S. National Science Foundation
35 open grants from this agency accept small businesses, with $869.9 million in total program funding listed.