Space Technology Research Institutes

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Headquarters has released the solicitation “Space Technology Research Institutes (STRI26),” as an appendix to the Research and Technology Mission Directorate (RTMD) umbrella NASA Research Announcement (NRA) titled "Space Technology Research, Development, Demonstration, and Infusion 2026 (SpaceTech REDDI 2026).”. The solicitation is available by opening the NSPIRES homepage at https://nspires.nasaprs.com/, selecting “Open” under "Solicitations," and searching "Space Technology Research Institutes (STRI26)” under Keywords, or directly via https://solicitation.nasaprs.com/NNH26ZTR001N-26STRI_B3. Through STRI26, Space Technology Research Grants (STRG) Program within RTMD solicits proposals from U.S. institutions of higher education (IHEs) for IHE-led, early-stage, sustained, multidisciplinary space-technology research focused in strategic areas for transformative impact to future NASA and other civil-space applications. Proposals are sought on specific space technologies that are currently at low Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs). This Appendix exclusively seeks proposals that are responsive to the topic featured in the Appendix: Enabling Future Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine (RDRE) Design Capabilities. The overarching goal of this topic is to advance RDRE system-level performance beyond the state of the art for traditional chemical rocket engines operating under the same system constraints. Only U.S. IHEs are eligible to submit proposals to this Appendix. The Principal Investigator (PI) must be, as their primary appointment, a faculty member at the lead IHE. Teaming among U.S. IHEs is required, with a minimum of three participant IHEs. Teaming with industry and non-profit entities is permitted., subject to the restrictions described in the solicitation. The maximum award duration is five years and the maximum amount $13M total over the five-year period. Awards are planned to start in May 2027. NASA plans to make one award as a result of this STRI solicitation, subject to the receipt of meritorious proposals and the availability of funds. The actual number of awards will depend on the quality of the proposals received; NASA reserves the right to make no awards under this solicitation. All proposals must be submitted electronically through NSPIRES by an authorized organizational representative....

See "Description" below and Full Announcement for eligibility requirements.

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/.