MPS Astronomical Sciences Research Programs (MPS Astro) — U.S. National Science Foundation

What This 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:

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

Eligible Applicant Types

Unrestricted (open to all)

Funding Details

Total Program Funding: $100.0M
Cost Sharing Required?: No
Funding Instrument: grant

Key Dates

Posted: August 17, 2026

Application Deadline: November 16, 2026 (89 days remaining)

Proposals are accepted at any time. However, proposals received after the target submission date may be reviewed in the following fiscal year.

Agency Contact

NSF grants.gov support grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov

grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov