MPS Astronomical Sciences Research Programs (MPS Astro)

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. Program Details U.S. National Science Foundation is a federal agency that offers the MPS Astronomical Sciences Research Programs (MPS Astro) grant program to support clean energy and research innovation. This funding opportunity is available nationally and is administered by U.S. National Science Foundation through Grants.gov. Organizations seeking funding for clean energy and research innovation should review the details below and confirm their eligibility before preparing an application. Eligibility Eligible applicants include eligible organizations. Organizations that meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply and to review the full program guidelines before submission. Because eligibility rules and funding priorities can change between cycles, applicants should always confirm the current requirements with U.S. National Science Foundation or on Grants.gov before investing time in an application. Funding and Timeline The application deadline is November 16, 2026 (70 days remaining). Applicants should allow sufficient time to gather required documentation, including organizational information, project descriptions, budgets, and supporting materials as specified in the program guidelines. Submitting a complete application well ahead of the deadline reduces the risk of disqualification on technical or administrative grounds. Program Focus This grant supports clean energy and research innovation. This grant is associated with NAICS industry classifications: 541715, 541714, 611310, 221114. Organizations operating in these sectors are encouraged to review eligibility. Funded projects are expected to demonstrate measurable outcomes aligned with the program's stated objectives. Grant recipients may be required to submit progress reports and final evaluations as a condition of the award, and to retain records for audit and compliance purposes. How to Apply Eligible organizations can apply through Grants.gov. Create a free organization profile on GrantRegister to see whether this grant matches your organization's NAICS code, entity type, location, and focus area, and to receive a weekly digest of every open grant you qualify for. GrantRegister maintains a complete, authoritative registry of US federal, state, and foundation grant opportunities — matched automatically to your organization profile and delivered every Monday.

Eligibility

• Funded by NSF
• Programs related to solar

Award details

Applications close on November 16, 2026 (70 days remaining).

Categories

Clean Energy · Research Innovation