NASA is offering grants for U.S. colleges and universities to work on early-stage space technology research, specifically focusing on purifying water on the Moon. This is part of their Space Technology Research Grants Program. The aim is to develop new technologies that are not yet ready for use but have potential for future space missions.
Who it's for: This grant is for U.S. institutions of higher education, like universities and colleges. The main researcher, called the Principal Investigator, must be a faculty member, either tenured or on the tenure track.
More details
Likely Disqualifiers
- Non-U.S. institutions
- Proposals not focused on lunar water purification
- Proposals focused on non-space applications
- Principal Investigator not a faculty member
- Missing preliminary proposal submission
What You May Need
- Preliminary proposal
- Full proposal (if invited)
- Registration in NSPIRES
- Authorized organizational representative
- Detailed project plan
- Budget outline
- Faculty credentials
- Proof of institutional eligibility
- Collaboration agreements (if applicable)
- Compliance with NASA guidelines
Cautions
- Only 3 awards are planned, so competition is high
- Preliminary proposal is mandatory
- Strict focus on lunar water purification
- Proposals must be submitted through NSPIRES
- Funding is contingent on proposal quality and availability
Generated from official source details for readability
Eligibility
Eligible Applicant Types
Additional Criteria
Eligible applicants are U.S. institutions of higher education, which include universities and colleges. The Principal Investigator must be a faculty member, either tenured or on the tenure track, from the proposing institution. Proposals must focus on lunar in situ resource utilization, specifically water purification, and should not address non-space applications.
Overview
This grant is for U.S. institutions of higher education, like universities and colleges. The main researcher, called the Principal Investigator, must be a faculty member, either tenured or on the tenure track.
Likely Disqualifiers
- Non-U.S. institutions
- Proposals not focused on lunar water purification
- Proposals focused on non-space applications
- Principal Investigator not a faculty member
- Missing preliminary proposal submission
Use of Funds
Funds can be used for research and development of technologies related to lunar water purification. This includes expenses for personnel, equipment, and other resources necessary to conduct the research.
Expected Awards
3
Cost Sharing
Not Required
Important Dates
- Posted
- Jul 6, 2026
- Deadline
- Aug 13, 2026(37 days)
- Archive Date
- Sep 12, 2026
- Est. Award Date (AI estimate)
- June 2027
Application Checklist
- Register in NSPIRES
- Prepare preliminary proposal by August 13, 2026
- Submit preliminary proposal through NSPIRES
- If invited, prepare full proposal by December 16, 2026
- Ensure Principal Investigator is eligible
- Gather necessary institutional approvals
- Review NASA's submission guidelines
- Plan for potential collaboration