Opportunity Information: Apply for 26 522
The MPS Astronomical Sciences Research Programs (MPS Astro) opportunity is a discretionary NSF grant competition run by the U.S. National Science Foundation's Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (NSF MPS). It is designed to support foundational research and research-enabling instrumentation in the astronomical sciences, with the broader goal of exploring space and deepening the fundamental understanding of the universe. Rather than emphasizing near-term applications, commercialization, or product deployment, this program is aimed squarely at advancing core scientific knowledge and the tools needed to make new discoveries.
This funding opportunity encompasses three connected program areas: Astronomical Sciences Core Research, Astronomical Sciences Technology and Instrumentation, and Astronomical Sciences Innovations. Together, these tracks cover a wide span of astronomy and astrophysics, including theory, observation, computation, data analysis methods, and the development of instruments and technologies that enable or significantly improve astronomical measurements. The intent is to maintain and strengthen the scientific base that underpins U.S. leadership and capability in astronomy, while also pushing into new territory where transformative advances are possible.
NSF highlights that the research supported through MPS Astro feeds directly into major discovery areas and national scientific capabilities. Examples called out include improving prediction and understanding of solar storms and space weather, advancing the search for potentially habitable planets beyond our solar system, and clarifying the physics of extreme objects and environments such as black holes. In practice, this can include projects that refine models of astrophysical phenomena, develop new observational techniques, expand interpretive frameworks for large survey data, or build and test novel components that make next-generation observations feasible.
A key message of the solicitation is that NSF MPS is particularly interested in intellectually ambitious, potentially transformative foundational work. Proposals do not need to promise a near-term deliverable, commercial pathway, or deployment-ready system to be competitive. The emphasis is on the quality, originality, and potential scientific impact of the ideas, along with credible methods and, where relevant, instrumentation plans that would enable compelling advances in astronomical science.
From the published opportunity details, the funding instrument is a grant and the activity category is Science and Technology and other Research and Development under CFDA 47.049. Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, meaning there is no applicant type limitation stated in the notice itself (though applicants should still follow NSF-wide eligibility and proposal requirements). The opportunity number is 26-522. The original closing date is November 16, 2026. The notice does not specify an award ceiling or expected number of awards in the provided summary fields.Apply for 26 522
- The U.S. National Science Foundation in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "MPS Astronomical Sciences Research Programs (MPS Astro)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 47.049.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2026-08-17.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2026-11-16. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): MPS Astronomical Sciences Research Programs (MPS Astro)
What is the MPS Astronomical Sciences Research Programs (MPS Astro) opportunity?
MPS Astro is a discretionary grant competition run by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) within the Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (NSF MPS). It supports foundational research and research-enabling instrumentation in the astronomical sciences, with the broader aim of exploring space and deepening fundamental understanding of the universe.
Which NSF directorate runs this program?
The program is run by NSF's Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS), through its Astronomical Sciences research programs (MPS Astro).
What is the main purpose of this funding opportunity?
The central purpose is to advance core scientific knowledge in astronomy and astrophysics and to support the tools (including instrumentation and enabling technologies) needed to make new discoveries. The emphasis is on foundational science rather than near-term applications or product deployment.
Is this program focused on commercialization or near-term product deployment?
No. The solicitation emphasizes advancing fundamental scientific knowledge and the development of research-enabling tools. Proposals are not required to present a near-term deliverable, commercialization plan, or deployment-ready system to be competitive.
What kinds of work does MPS Astro generally support?
It supports a broad range of astronomy and astrophysics work, including theory, observation, computation, data analysis methods, and the development of instruments and technologies that enable or significantly improve astronomical measurements.
What are the program areas or tracks included in this opportunity?
This opportunity encompasses three connected program areas: (1) Astronomical Sciences Core Research, (2) Astronomical Sciences Technology and Instrumentation, and (3) Astronomical Sciences Innovations.
How do the three program areas relate to each other?
Together, the three areas are designed to cover both foundational research and the instrumentation/technology needed to enable or significantly enhance astronomical observations, while also supporting innovative directions where transformative advances may be possible.
What scientific topics are within scope?
The scope spans astronomy and astrophysics broadly, including theory, observation, computation, and data analysis methods, plus the development of enabling instruments and technologies.
What examples of research impact does NSF highlight for MPS Astro?
NSF notes that supported work can feed into major discovery areas and national scientific capabilities, including: improving prediction and understanding of solar storms and space weather, advancing the search for potentially habitable planets beyond our solar system, and clarifying the physics of extreme objects and environments such as black holes.
Does the program prioritize any particular style of research?
Yes. NSF MPS indicates particular interest in intellectually ambitious, potentially transformative foundational work. The program emphasizes the quality, originality, and potential scientific impact of proposed ideas.
Are instrumentation and technology development projects eligible?
Yes. One of the connected program areas is Astronomical Sciences Technology and Instrumentation, and the overall opportunity explicitly includes development of instruments and technologies that enable or significantly improve astronomical measurements.
What kinds of project activities are mentioned as examples?
Examples described include refining models of astrophysical phenomena, developing new observational techniques, expanding interpretive frameworks for large survey data, and building/testing novel components that make next-generation observations feasible.
What is the funding instrument for this opportunity?
The funding instrument is a grant.
What is the activity category for this funding opportunity?
The activity category is listed as Science and Technology and other Research and Development.
What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?
The CFDA number provided is 47.049.
What is the opportunity number?
The opportunity number is 26-522.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is listed as unrestricted in the notice summary, meaning no applicant type limitation is stated in the provided information. Applicants still need to follow NSF-wide eligibility and proposal requirements.
Is there a deadline to apply?
Yes. The original closing date listed is November 16, 2026.
Is an award ceiling specified in the provided opportunity summary?
No. The provided summary fields do not specify an award ceiling.
Is the expected number of awards provided?
No. The provided summary fields do not state an expected number of awards.
What is the program trying to strengthen at a national level?
The program is intended to maintain and strengthen the scientific base that underpins U.S. leadership and capability in astronomy, while pushing into new territory where transformative advances are possible.
Do proposals need to show a commercial pathway to be competitive?
No. The solicitation explicitly notes proposals do not need to promise a near-term deliverable, commercial pathway, or deployment-ready system. Competitiveness is tied to the quality, originality, potential scientific impact, and credible methods (and instrumentation plans when relevant).
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development
Next opportunity: BJA FY 2026 Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Program (COSSUP) Training and Technical Assistance (TTA)
Previous opportunity: U.S.-ASEAN Road to 50: Rising Leaders Forum
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for 26 522
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (26 522) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Expeditions in Computing (Expeditions) Apply for 26 525 Funding Number: 26 525 Agency: U.S. National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| EMERGING FRONTIERS IN RESEARCH AND INNOVATION (EFRI-2026/27): Wave-Based Computing ( EFRI-WBC) Apply for 26 524 Funding Number: 26 524 Agency: U.S. National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| MPS Chemistry Research Programs (MPS Chem) Apply for 26 519 Funding Number: 26 519 Agency: U.S. National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Engineering (ENG): Chemical, Bioengineering, Energy, and Transport Systems (CBET) Apply for 26 518 Funding Number: 26 518 Agency: U.S. National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| MPS Materials Research Programs (MPS Materials) Apply for 26 521 Funding Number: 26 521 Agency: U.S. National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| ONR FY27 NOFO for Young Investigator Program Apply for N0001426SF004 Funding Number: N0001426SF004 Agency: Office of Naval Research Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| The Research on Research Security Program (RoRS) Apply for PD 25 275Y Funding Number: PD 25 275Y Agency: U.S. National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Transport Phenomena (TP) Apply for PD 26 366Y Funding Number: PD 26 366Y Agency: U.S. National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DoW Reconstructive Transplant, Investigator-Initiated Research Award Apply for HT942526RTRPIIRA Funding Number: HT942526RTRPIIRA Agency: Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity - DHACA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DoW Breast Cancer, Clinical Research Extension Award Apply for HT942526BCRPCREA2 Funding Number: HT942526BCRPCREA2 Agency: Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity - DHACA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DoW Breast Cancer, Breakthrough Award Levels 1 and 2 Apply for HT942526BCRPBTA122 Funding Number: HT942526BCRPBTA122 Agency: Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity - DHACA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| National Center for Narrative Intelligence (NCNI) Apply for HQ003426NFOECAD06 Funding Number: HQ003426NFOECAD06 Agency: Washington Headquarters Services Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $6,000,000 |
| Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton Natural Resources Support- Juvenile Salmonid Surveys in Sinclair Inlet, WA Apply for W9126G262RFP1011 Funding Number: W9126G262RFP1011 Agency: Fort Worth District Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $207,847 |
| Cooperative Agreement for Affiliated Partner with the Hawaii- Pacific Islands Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) Apply for G26AS00136 Funding Number: G26AS00136 Agency: Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $2,536,979 |
| Geosciences Core Research: Atmospheric, Geospace, Earth and Ocean Sciences (GEO Core) Apply for 26 516 Funding Number: 26 516 Agency: U.S. National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Research and Education Program for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCU) Equipment/Instrumentation Apply for W911NF26S0105 Funding Number: W911NF26S0105 Agency: Dept of the Army -- Materiel Command Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| Conservation and Forestry Program Support (2026-2031) for Environmental Natural Resources Management Division, Directorate of Public Works, Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk, Louisiana Apply for W9126G262RFP9554 Funding Number: W9126G262RFP9554 Agency: Fort Worth District Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $7,593,600 |
| Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute Cooperative Agreement Notice-5 (SSERVI CAN-5) Apply for NNH26ZDA016C Funding Number: NNH26ZDA016C Agency: NASA Headquarters Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Aquatic Fauna and Primary Production in the Florida Everglades Apply for W9126G262SOI9557 Funding Number: W9126G262SOI9557 Agency: Fort Worth District Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $4,984,000 |
| American Crocodile Monitoring as an Indicator of Hydrologic Restoration in the Southern Estuaries for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District. Apply for W9126G262SOI9486 Funding Number: W9126G262SOI9486 Agency: Fort Worth District Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $791,961 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "26 522", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.