2025 Human Exploration Research Opportunities (HERO) NOFO
NASA's HERO NOFO seeks applied research proposals for human space exploration, covering health, performance, and countermeasures, with awards ranging from under $250K to $1.2M per year.
This grant is no longer accepting proposals
NASA Johnson Space Center has archived this opportunity.
Funder: NASA Johnson Space Center
Due Dates: December 2, 2024 (Step-1, Appendix A) | October 31, 2025 (Final/Step-2, all appendices)
Funding Amounts: Omnibus: up to $250,000 for 1 year; Flagship: $1M–$1.5M for 3–5 years; total awards per appendix range from under $1M to several million.
Summary: Supports applied research to address human health, performance, and countermeasures for safe, reliable, and productive human space exploration.
Key Information: Two-step application (Step-1 required for Step-2); topics and deadlines are appendix-specific and staggered; U.S. institutions eligible, international partners allowed (no NASA funds to non-U.S. orgs).
Description
NASA's Human Exploration Research Opportunities (HERO) program solicits applied research proposals to advance human health and performance in support of human space exploration. The HERO Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is an umbrella announcement; specific research topics, requirements, and deadlines are detailed in appendices released throughout the year. Research must align with one or more of the Human Research Program's (HRP) five elements:
- Space Radiation
- Human Health Countermeasures
- Exploration Medical Capability
- Human Factors and Behavioral Performance
- Research Operations and Integration
The program aims to develop countermeasures, technologies, and knowledge to mitigate risks to astronaut health and performance during exploration missions, including lunar and Mars missions.
