MUREP Space Technology Artemis Research (M-STAR) Implementation Awards | NNM23ZHA014C

Opportunity Information: Apply for NNM23ZHA014C

The MUREP Space Technology Artemis Research (M-STAR) Implementation Awards is a NASA funding opportunity designed to build and strengthen research capacity at U.S. Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) in technical areas that directly support the agency's Artemis Program and broader national space priorities. The program sits within the policy direction set by White House Space Policy Directive-1 (SPD-1), which calls for NASA to lead a sustainable, innovative exploration effort with commercial and international partners, expanding human and robotic exploration and returning benefits and knowledge to Earth. In practical terms, this opportunity is meant to help MSIs grow durable research infrastructure, deepen technical expertise, and contribute to the technologies and capabilities NASA needs for lunar exploration now and human missions to Mars later.

This particular solicitation is listed as a discretionary opportunity from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration under the education activity category, with funding provided through cooperative agreements. A cooperative agreement generally signals that NASA expects to have substantial involvement with awardees during the period of performance, such as technical collaboration, programmatic coordination, or shared milestones, rather than simply issuing funds with minimal interaction. The opportunity number is NNM23ZHA014C, and it is associated with CFDA 43.008, a common NASA assistance listing used for education-related and workforce or capacity-building programs.

The awards are structured with an upper funding limit (award ceiling) of $300,000 per award, and NASA anticipated making about 10 awards under this call. The central purpose is not only to fund isolated research tasks, but to help institutions build the kind of long-term capability NASA can rely on: stronger labs, more robust research programs, better-prepared faculty and student researchers, and a clearer pathway for MSI researchers to participate in NASA-relevant work tied to Artemis. Artemis itself is described as NASA's lunar exploration initiative, with a stated goal of returning humans to the Moon and doing so in a way that is inclusive, including sending the first woman and the first person of color to the lunar surface (the text references a 2025 target). The opportunity frames Artemis as both a scientific and technology development effort, using new tools to study the Moon more effectively and using what is learned there to prepare for the challenges of Mars missions.

Eligibility is summarized in the listing as "Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification)," which is a standard way of indicating that eligibility is limited or specifically defined in the full announcement. Based on the stated intent of M-STAR, the primary intended applicants are MSIs, but the formal eligibility rules, partnership allowances, and any restrictions would be spelled out in the complete notice. Key dates provided for this round include a creation date of February 8, 2023, and an original application deadline of April 10, 2023.

Overall, this grant opportunity is best understood as a targeted investment in MSI research strength aligned with NASA's near-term lunar and longer-term Mars objectives. It uses moderate-sized awards and an expected portfolio of multiple recipients to expand participation, improve institutional capability, and ensure that more institutions and students can contribute to the technologies and knowledge base needed for sustained exploration.

• The National Aeronautics and Space Administration in the education sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "MUREP Space Technology Artemis Research (M-STAR) Implementation Awards" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 43.008.
• This funding opportunity was created on Feb 08, 2023.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Apr 10, 2023. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $300,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 10 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for NNM23ZHA014C

[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal: