MPS Astronomical Sciences Research Programs (MPS Astro)
NSF MPS Astro funds ambitious research and technology development in astronomy to advance understanding of the universe, including solar storms, exoplanets, and astrophysical phenomena.
Funder: U.S. National Science Foundation
Due Dates: November 16, 2026 (Full proposal target date; third Monday in November, annually thereafter)
Funding Amounts: ~$100,000,000 total program funding; typical awards span a wide range; 140+ awards anticipated annually.
Summary: Supports foundational research and instrumentation in astronomical sciences, including core research, technology, and innovative projects.
Key Information: Proposals accepted at any time; those after the target date may be reviewed in the following fiscal year.
Description
This funding opportunity from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS) supports a broad range of research programs in the astronomical sciences. The program funds foundational research, technology development, and innovative projects that advance understanding of the universe and enable new discoveries in astronomy and astrophysics. Covered program areas include:
- Astronomical Sciences Core Research: Individual and collaborative research in observational, theoretical, laboratory, and archival data studies across all subfields of astronomy and astrophysics.
- Astronomical Sciences Technology & Instrumentation: Development of advanced technologies and instrumentation for ground-based astronomy, including high-risk, exploratory projects that enable new observational capabilities.
- Astronomical Sciences Innovations: Larger-scale projects and facilities, mid-scale infrastructure, open-access capabilities, and initiatives that provide community-wide benefits.
NSF encourages intellectually ambitious, potentially transformative proposals, including those that cross disciplinary boundaries or leverage emerging technologies such as AI and advanced computation. Proposals do not need to promise near-term commercial or deployment outcomes to be competitive.
