MPS Astronomical Sciences Research Programs (MPS Astro)
Looking for science & technology funding? U.S. National Science Foundation is accepting applications for this award from eligible applicants, with applications due Nov 16, 2026.
Apply on Grants.govOpportunity 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:
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.
Who can apply
- Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility"
Agency contact
U.S. National Science Foundation
NSF grants.gov support grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov
grantsgovsupport@nsf.govNext steps to apply
To apply, head to the official Grants.gov listing — that is where registration and submission happen. Always re-check the closing date there, as agencies can revise it.
Official Grants.gov listingThis listing is sourced from the public Grants.gov database (U.S. government public-domain data) and is provided for general informational purposes. VolunteerBadge is not affiliated with Grants.gov or any federal agency and does not administer or award grants. Always verify details on the official listing.