MPS Astronomical Sciences Research Programs (MPS Astro)
Open
U.S. National Science Foundation is offering grants to any type of organization. It expects to make $100 million in total. Applications close on October 7, 2076.
From the official notice on Grants.gov, last changed October 7, 2026. Checked October 31, 2026.
- Award ceilingnot stated
- Award floornot stated
- Expected awardsnot stated
- Total funding$100 million
- Cost sharingNot required
- Funding typeGrant
Key dates
| Posted | August 17, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Deadline | October 7, 2076 |
Add the deadline to your calendar
Who can apply
This opportunity is open to any type of organization.
- Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility"
Is this a realistic fit?
- No cost sharing or match is required.
What the grant funds
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.
How to apply
- Read the full notice and attachments on Grants.gov and the agency's announcement. The notice is the official source for deadlines and requirements.
- Make sure your organization has an active SAM.gov registration and Unique Entity ID; registration can take several weeks.
- Register on Grants.gov and submit through Workspace before the deadline and time given in the notice. Our application guide walks through each step.
Questions go to U.S. National Science Foundation, grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov, 703-292-4203.
Questions people ask
Who can apply for MPS Astronomical Sciences Research Programs (MPS Astro)?
U.S. National Science Foundation accepts applications from any type of organization.
What is the deadline for MPS Astronomical Sciences Research Programs (MPS Astro)?
Closes October 7, 2076 (18239 days left). Confirm the date and time in the official notice on Grants.gov.
How much funding is available?
About $100 million in total.
Similar open grants
- RESTORE Act Centers of Excellence Research Grants Program
- Topology
- Geometric Analysis
- Space Technology Research Institutes
- SBE Postdoctoral Research Fellowships (SPRF)
- NSF Small Business Innovation Research / Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I, Phase II, Fast-Track Programs: A Pilot Emphasis on Scientific Instrumentation