Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO): FY-2026 MUREP Space Technology Artemis Research (M-STAR)

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) announces a new Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) under its Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP) Space Technology Artemis Research (M-STAR) initiative:
FY26 Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP) Space Technology Artemis Research (M-STAR)
Cooperative Agreement Notice (CAN)
Announcement Number: NNH26ZHA002C
Assistance Listing Number: 43.008
The Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP) Space Technology Artemis Research (M-STAR) opportunity is a National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) initiative through its Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM). Its primary purpose is to enhance the research capabilities and infrastructure of Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs), Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) enabling them to participate in NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) research to support the Agency’s advancement of technologies needed for exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond. 
The M-STAR NOFO has been released and may be found in NASA’s Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES) on the M-STAR landing page.
Key Dates
  • Pre-Proposal Webinar for Proposers (optional): July 9 2026, 3:00 p.m. ET
  • Office Hours Session (optional): August 4, 2026, 10:00 a.m. ET
  • Proposal Deadline: August 11, 2026, 11:59 p.m. ET
  • Anticipated Award Notification: October 2026
About the Opportunity
The Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP) Space Technology Artemis Research (M-STAR) opportunity is a National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) initiative through its Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM). Its primary purpose is to enhance the research capabilities and infrastructure of Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs), Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) enabling them to participate in NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) research to support the Agency’s advancement of technologies needed for exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond.    
The M-STAR opportunity has four key goals that guide its mission: 
  1. Advance Research: M-STAR helps MSIs, HBCUs, and TCUs expand their capacity to conduct advanced science, engineering, and technology research that directly supports NASA's STMD. This includes fostering new and innovative ideas and strengthening their ability to contribute to NASA missions.
  2. Increase Participation: M-STAR works to make MSIs, HBCUs, and TCUs more competitive for future research funding from NASA, other federal agencies, and the private sector. It helps these institutions build robust and self-sustaining departments and research infrastructure. 
  3. Engage the Community: M-STAR creates opportunities for faculty and researchers at MSIs, HBCUs, and TCUs to collaborate with NASA, which in turn enhances their expertise in space-related fields. The program also helps institutions design academic curricula and offers students valuable hands-on experience and internships at NASA. 
  4. Develop the STEM Workforce: In alignment with the federal “America’s Talent Strategy: Building a Workforce for the Golden Age,” a core objective is to increase the number of students from MSIs, HBCUs, and TCUs who earn undergraduate and graduate degrees in aerospace-related fields. By focusing on this, the program helps build a sustainable talent pipeline for the future STEM workforce. 
The target audience and eligible recipients of the M-STAR opportunity are MSIs, HBCUs, and TCUs. The funding and collaborative opportunities are designed to directly benefit the faculty, researchers, and students at these institutions, helping them grow as leaders in space technology and research.  
In addition, M-STAR aligns with national priorities to strengthen the United States research enterprise, expand participation in federally supported research, and cultivate a highly skilled STEM workforce.
Pre-Proposal Webinar and Technical Assistance
NASA OSTEM will host an interactive pre-proposal webinar for the MUREP Space Technology Artemis Research (M-STAR) opportunity. This session will provide an in-depth overview of the NOFO, including program goals, eligibility requirements, proposal preparation guidance, and submission tips. Proposers will also have the opportunity to receive technical assistance and clarification from NASA staff. 
Prior to attending a webinar, proposers are strongly encouraged to review the full M-STAR NOFO and to check the M-STAR landing page in NSPIRES regularly for updates and additional guidance.
Registration will be required for the webinar. Connection details will be provided upon completion of registration. Webinar dates, times, registration links, and connection information will be posted on the M-STAR landing page in NSPIRES.
After the session, recordings and presentation materials will be made available on the M-STAR landing page for those unable to attend live.
Planned webinar opportunities include:
 •   Pre-Proposal Webinar for Proposers (optional)
July 9, 2026, 3:00 p.m. ET
This informative webinar will discuss the proposal requirements, key dates, and how to submit a    proposal.     
 •   Office Hours Session (optional)
August 4, 10:00 a.m. ET
Last opportunity for questions prior to the proposal deadline
Eligibility
To be eligible for this funding opportunity, all proposals shall originate from two-year or four-year institutions designated and listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a MSI, HBCU, or TCU at the time of proposal submission (see NASA MSI List), including public, state-controlled, and private institutions. Proposals from institutions that are not designated and listed by the U.S. Department of Education as MSIs at the time of proposal submission will result in NASA returning the application without review. Institutions not meeting these criteria are encouraged to partner with colleges or universities that do satisfy the requirements.
Institutions awarded M-STAR Implementation Funding cooperative agreements under the EONS-2023 NOFO (NNH23ZHA001N-MSTAR) are not eligible for this funding opportunity.
Award Information
  • Maximum Annual Award: $500,000 per year for two years
  • Maximum Total Award: $1,000,000 
  • Anticipated Number of Awards: 12
  • Cost Sharing: Not required
How to Apply
Proposals must be submitted electronically via NASA’s Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES). Registration in NSPIRES and an active SAM.gov registration are required.
Contact Information
For technical assistance with NSPIRES
NSPIRES Help Desk available Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM ET
(202) 479-9376
nspires-help@nasaprs.com  
Program Contact
Selection Official 
Alicia Baturoni Cortez, Acting MUREP Manager 
Mary W. Jackson - NASA Headquarters 
300 E Street SW 
Washington, DC 20546 
Dr. Vemitra Alexander, M-STAR Activity Manager 
NASA Marshall Space Flight Center