The Lunar Payload Design Challenge is a grant opportunity for U.S. and UAE graduate students to work together on developing technologies for future lunar missions. This program aims to enhance technical skills, foster international partnerships, and support U.S. leadership in space exploration.
Who it's for: This grant is for U.S. and UAE graduate students in STEM fields like aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, robotics, and computer science. Eligible participants should be from universities with established space-related programs. Institutions and professionals in the emerging space sector are also encouraged to participate.
More details
Likely Disqualifiers
- Applications submitted after July 15, 2026
- Incomplete application forms
- Lack of demonstrated experience or plan for hardware realization
- Proposals not aligned with lunar exploration priorities
- Failure to include a Monitoring and Evaluation Plan
What You May Need
- SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance
- SF-424A Budget Information for Non-Construction programs
- SF-424B Assurances for Non-Construction programs (if applicable)
- Complete narrative proposal (5 pages max)
- Proposal Summary
- Introduction to the Organization or Individual
- Problem Statement
- Program Methods, Design, Activities, and Deliverables
- Proposed Project Schedule and Timeline
- Key Personnel details
- Project Partners list
- Future Funding or Sustainability plan
- Monitoring & Evaluation Plan
Cautions
- Ensure all application materials are submitted by the deadline.
- Applications must be submitted either via email or through Grants.gov, not both.
- Proposals should clearly align with lunar exploration priorities.
- Ensure all forms and documents are complete and accurate.
- Include a clear plan for hardware realization if lacking prior experience.
Generated from official source details for readability
Eligibility
Eligible Applicant Types
Additional Criteria
Eligible applicants include U.S. and UAE graduate students in STEM fields such as aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, robotics, and computer science. Participants should be enrolled in universities with established aerospace or space-related programs. U.S. and UAE universities and research institutions with experience in space systems, lunar research, or related fields are eligible. Teams should have a plan for hardware realization if lacking prior experience. The opportunity is unrestricted, meaning various types of entities can apply.
Overview
This grant is for U.S. and UAE graduate students in STEM fields like aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, robotics, and computer science. Eligible participants should be from universities with established space-related programs. Institutions and professionals in the emerging space sector are also encouraged to participate.
Likely Disqualifiers
- Applications submitted after July 15, 2026
- Incomplete application forms
- Lack of demonstrated experience or plan for hardware realization
- Proposals not aligned with lunar exploration priorities
- Failure to include a Monitoring and Evaluation Plan
Use of Funds
Funds can be used for developing payload concepts, instruments, and technologies for lunar missions. This includes team-based learning experiences, collaboration with U.S. institutions, and potentially advancing concepts towards mission integration.
Total Program Funding
$300,000
Expected Awards
1
Cost Sharing
Not Required
Important Dates
- Posted
- Jun 1, 2026
- Deadline
- Jul 15, 2026(32 days)
- Archive Date
- Aug 14, 2026
Application Checklist
- Register on Grants.gov if submitting through the platform
- Complete and submit SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B forms
- Prepare a 5-page narrative proposal
- Include a detailed proposal summary and problem statement
- Outline program methods, design, and activities
- Provide a project schedule and timeline
- List key personnel and project partners
- Develop a Monitoring & Evaluation Plan
- Submit application by July 15, 2026, 5:00PM UAE Time