MPS Astronomical Sciences Research Programs (MPS Astro)
- Posted
- August 17, 2026
- Closes
- See announcement
- Program funding
- $100,000,000
- Cost sharing
- No
- Instrument
- Grant
- Assistance listing
- 47.049
Program funding history
Awards made under Assistance Listing 47.049 across FY2024–FY2026, from public federal spending records.
- FY2024 obligated
- $1.6B
- FY2025 obligated
- $1.7B
- FY2026 (to date) obligated
- $1.2B
- Awards in window
- 9,597
Top recipients: Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc., Associated Universities Inc, California Institute of Technology, Florida State University, Cornell University
Source: USAspending.gov · refreshed September 2026 · Program page: awards, recipients and the opportunities under this listing →
Synopsis
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:
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.
Who can apply
- Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility"
How to apply
Applications go through the official government listing. Grants Radar links you straight to the source — applying is free.
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