NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Phase I

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Headquarters anticipates release of a solicitation, titled “NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC), Phase I,” as an Appendix to the Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) NASA Research Announcement (NRA), titled “Space Technology Research, Development, Demonstration, and Infusion - 2026 (SpaceTech-REDDI-2026),” on or about September 28, 2026. Once the Appendix is posted, complete details (to include due dates) can be accessed via the following steps: 1. Open the NSPIRES homepage at https://nspires.nasaprs.com/ 2. Select "Solicitations" 3. Select "Open” 4. Select "Space Technology Research, Development, Demonstration, and Infusion - 2026 (SpaceTech-REDDI-2026) NNH26ZTR001N” 5. Select “List of Open Program Elements” 6. Select “NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC), Phase I- NNH26ZTR001N-27NIAC_A1" 7. Select “NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Phase I Solicitation Document" under Announcement Documents. The NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Program supports innovative research through multiple Phases of awards. Phase I awards are typically a nine-month effort to explore the overall feasibility and viability of visionary concepts. There are two steps to the Phase I proposal process; a brief Step A proposal open to all eligible applicants, and an expanded Step B for those who are invited. All categories of U.S organizations may apply to Appendix NNH26ZTR001N-27NIAC_A1. NIAC Principal Investigators (PIs), also known as NIAC Fellows, and team members may be affiliated with any type of U.S organization. Non-U.S. organizations may partner in, or lead, NIAC studies on a no-exchange of funds basis, and subject to NASA’s policy on foreign participation (see Section B.3 of SpaceTech-REDDI-2026). All proposals must be submitted electronically through NSPIRES by an authorized organizational representative (AOR). Detailed submission instructions are provided in the SpaceTech-REDDI-2026 NRA, as well as the NASA Grant and Cooperative Agreement Manual available here: https://www.nasa.gov/grants-operations-management/. Potential proposers and their proposing organizations are urged to familiarize themselves with the submission system, ensure they are registered in NSPIRES, and submit the required proposal materials well in advance of the deadline. Please note that registration in...

See the full solicitation for eligibility details.

All proposals will undergo an administrative, merit, and financial review. The NASA funding organization responsible for managing the technical aspects of an awarded effort is responsible for the merit review process, which may be based on peer review. All applications for NASA discretionary awards are subject to a merit review with the objective of selecting the recipient most likely to be successful in delivering results based on the objectives outlined in this Assistance Listing. Applicants may consult the NASA Grant and Cooperative Agreement manual for additional information on NASA Proposal review and selection process. https://www.nasa.gov/grants-policy-and-compliance-team/#Regulations

A cost-sharing percentage is displayed to satisfy a system requirement that necessitates selection of a value. Cost-sharing requirements, including any applicable percentages, may apply under this listing and, if applicable, will be specified in the NOFO. Applicants should refer to the NOFO for detailed cost-sharing requirements.

Fiscal year 2025: STMD Funded Project Information is available at https://techport.nasa.gov/; NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts NIAC Funded Studies - https://www.nasa.gov/niac-funded-studies/NASA; Space Technology Research Grants Space Technology Research Grants - https://www.nasa.gov/space-technology-mission-directorate/space-technology-research-grants/NASA; Flight Opportunities Flight Opportunities https://www.nasa.gov/stmd-flight-opportunities/; NASA Small Spacecraft Technologies SST Partnerships https://www.nasa.gov/smallspacecraft/sst-partnerships/.