GlobalX Challenge 26.2: Naval Southern Hemisphere Space Weather and Plasmas (NSHSWP)
This grant seeks rapid research to prove or disprove innovative space weather and plasma concepts for dual-use benefits to the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, industry, and the public.
Funder: Office of Naval Research
Due Dates: July 10, 2026 (White paper) | August 31, 2026 (Full proposal)
Funding Amounts: Up to $500,000 total per award (12-month base period up to $250,000, plus 12-month option up to $250,000)
Summary: Supports international, multidisciplinary research teams in developing novel approaches for Southern Hemisphere space weather and ionospheric plasma analysis with dual-use military and commercial applications.
Key Information: Lead institution must be non-U.S.-based; U.S. partners allowed but not required.
Description
This funding opportunity, administered by the Office of Naval Research (ONR) Global, seeks to accelerate applied research in space weather and ionospheric plasma phenomena, particularly in the Southern Hemisphere. The GlobalX Challenge aims to generate and validate revolutionary, dual-use capabilities relevant to the U.S. Navy, commercial sector, and broader public. The focus is on novel models, sensor modalities, or detection schemes to improve the analysis and forecasting of bottomside ionospheric electron density, with emphasis on Southern Latitudes and unique phenomena such as equatorial spread F and sporadic E layers. Proposals should culminate in proof-of-concept results at Technology Readiness Level 3 (TRL-3).
