MPS Astronomical Sciences Research Programs (MPS Astro)
OpenU.S. National Science Foundation · Opportunity number 26-522
Closing date explanation: Proposals accepted anytime
Eligibility
Nonprofits are listed as eligible applicants.
- Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility"
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 Research
• Astronomical Sciences Technology & Instrumentation
• Astronomical Sciences Innovations
Research 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.
Funding
| Total program funding | $100,000,000 |
|---|---|
| Award floor | Not listed |
| Award ceiling | Not listed |
| Category | Science and Technology |
| Assistance listing | 47.049, |
Official sources
Last verified on Grants.gov Nov 4, 2026. Grantvello is not affiliated with Grants.gov or U.S. National Science Foundation. The notice on Grants.gov is the binding text.