NASA Research Funding is inviting applications for its latest Research Funding Opportunities through the Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Science (ROSES) programme and several additional research solicitations supporting groundbreaking scientific discovery, space exploration, Earth science, astrophysics, planetary science, and technology innovation.
The funding opportunities are open to qualified researchers, universities, research institutions, government organizations, nonprofit organizations, and, for selected programmes, eligible international collaborators.
About NASA Research Funding
NASA’s Science Mission Directorate (SMD) provides competitive research funding to advance scientific knowledge across space, Earth, planetary, and astrophysical sciences.
The primary annual solicitation, Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Science (ROSES), supports hundreds of research projects that contribute to NASA’s scientific missions and technological advancement.
The current ROSES-2025 solicitation remains open through August 2026, with ROSES-2026 expected to be released in July 2026.
Research Areas
Funding opportunities are available across numerous scientific disciplines, including:
- Space Science
- Earth Science
- Astrophysics
- Planetary Science
- Heliophysics
- Climate Science
- Remote Sensing
- Space Biology
- Astrobiology
- Planetary Protection
- Artificial Intelligence
- Data Science
- Geophysics
- Atmospheric Science
- Environmental Science
- Space Technology
- Satellite Missions
- Earth Observation
- Computational Science
- Astronomy
- Physics
- Engineering
- Robotics
- Machine Learning for Space Research
Available Funding Opportunities
NASA is currently supporting multiple research programmes, including:
- Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Science (ROSES-2025)
- Astrophysics Small Explorer (SMEX) Programme
- Earth Venture Orbital (EVO)
- Earth Science Partnership Proposals
- Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System (CYGNSS) Partnerships
- Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 (OCO-2) Partnerships
- New Frontiers Programme
- Planetary Science Research
- Space Biology Research
- Astrobiology Research
- Earth System Science Pathfinder initiatives
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility varies by programme, but applicants may include:
- Universities
- Research institutions
- Government agencies
- Nonprofit organizations
- Private research organizations
- Principal Investigators (PIs)
- Scientific research teams
- International organizations (for selected opportunities, subject to programme requirements)
- Academic researchers
- Early-career researchers
- Established scientists
Some opportunities specifically welcome proposals from both U.S. and non-U.S. organizations, while others may have eligibility restrictions outlined in the individual solicitation.
Funding Benefits
Depending on the opportunity, successful applicants may receive:
- Competitive research grants
- Project funding
- Mission development support
- Technology development funding
- Scientific research resources
- Access to NASA research infrastructure
- Collaboration with NASA scientists
- Opportunities to contribute to future NASA missions
- Long-term research partnerships
- International scientific collaboration
Astrophysics Small Explorer (SMEX) Programme
NASA’s Astrophysics Small Explorer (SMEX) Programme supports innovative, investigator-led space science missions.
Key Timeline
- Announcement Release: June 9, 2026
- Preproposal Conference: June 30, 2026
- Notice of Intent Deadline: July 21, 2026
- Full Proposal Deadline: September 9, 2026
NASA intends to select one proposal to advance into the next mission development phase.
Earth Venture Orbital Programme
The Earth Venture Orbital initiative focuses on innovative Principal Investigator-led missions emphasizing:
- Faster scientific implementation
- Commercial space partnerships
- Innovative Earth observation technologies
- Strategic collaboration
- Low Earth Orbit scientific missions
Why Apply?
NASA research funding provides researchers with opportunities to:
- Conduct world-leading scientific research
- Develop innovative technologies
- Advance space exploration
- Address global environmental challenges
- Collaborate with leading international scientists
- Contribute to future NASA missions
- Expand scientific knowledge across multiple disciplines
- Strengthen institutional research capacity
Application Process
Applicants should:
- Review the relevant NASA solicitation carefully.
- Confirm eligibility requirements for the selected funding opportunity.
- Prepare a competitive research proposal aligned with the programme objectives.
- Submit applications through the NASA proposal submission system before the relevant deadline.
- Monitor programme updates and amendments throughout the application period.
Conclusion
NASA’s research funding programmes continue to support transformative scientific discoveries across space, Earth, and planetary sciences. Whether you are an early-career researcher, experienced principal investigator, university, or research institution, these funding opportunities provide an exceptional platform to advance scientific innovation while contributing to NASA’s mission of exploration, discovery, and technological progress.
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