Deadline: 04-Mar-2026
The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) in partnership with the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) has launched the NSF 25-529 solicitation to support research using the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory to advance transport phenomena studies with direct benefits for life on Earth.
The focus of this opportunity includes fluid dynamics, particulate and multiphase processes, combustion and fire systems, thermal transport processes, nanoscale interactions, manufacturing methods that employ any of those transport phenomena, and resulting metallic materials, metal nanostructures, and ceramic materials that can utilize the ISS National Lab to conduct research that will benefit life on Earth.
This program encourages U.S. researchers from universities, non-profit laboratories, and academic-commercial teams to submit innovative projects that use the unique microgravity environment to explore fundamental and translational research. Proposals must clearly describe how the research outcomes will translate into tangible benefits for Earth, as projects focused solely on space exploration do not fall within the program’s scope.
Award funding totals up to $3.6 million, with individual proposals eligible for up to $400,000 for a maximum duration of four years. Costs for preparing and conducting experiments aboard the ISS—including crew training, payload transportation, and in-orbit implementation—will be supported by CASIS through its cooperative agreement with NASA.
To apply, prospective proposers must first submit a Feasibility Review Form to CASIS by January 12, 2026 to assess operational viability. Only those projects approved in this initial review may proceed to submit full proposals to NSF, which are due by March 4, 2026.
This initiative builds upon a history of NSF and CASIS collaborations, leveraging the ISS’s capacity for long-duration microgravity experiments to advance areas such as clean energy, manufacturing, nanotechnology, materials science, and biomedical applications. Successful projects are expected to demonstrate both scientific excellence and measurable benefits for society on Earth.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.