MPS Astronomical Sciences Research Programs (MPS Astro)
U.S. National Science Foundation · Mathematical and Physical Sciences (47.049)
Posted 17 Aug 2026 · About 609 months left
Summary
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.
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Eligibility and conditions
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Applicant types: Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility"