STAGE INNOVATIONS (ESI26)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 15, 2026
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This grant is for U.S. institutions of higher education (IHEs) pursuing early-stage space technology research. Eligible institutions include public, private, and state-controlled universities and colleges.
The Principal Investigator must be either a tenured or tenure-track faculty member at the proposing institution. Teaming and collaboration with other organizations are permitted.
Proposals must address one of eight specific space technology topics at low Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs). Research must focus on civil-space applications, not terrestrial or non-civil-space uses.
All research must align with NASA's space technology priorities and be submitted through NSPIRES by an authorized institutional representative.
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Program description
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Headquarters has released the solicitation Early Stage Innovations (ESI), as an appendix to the Research and Technology Mission Directorate (RTMD) umbrella NASA Research Announcement (NRA) titled “Space Technology Research, Development, Demonstration, and Infusion 2026 (SpaceTech REDDI 2026).”. The solicitation is available by opening the NSPIRES homepage at https://nspires.nasaprs.com/, selecting “Open” under “Solicitations,” and searching “Early Stage Innovations (ESI26)” under Keywords, or directly via https://solicitation.nasaprs.com/NNH26ZTR001N-26ESI_B2.
Through ESI26, Space Technology Research Grants (STRG) Program within RTMD solicits proposals from U.S. institutions of higher education (IHEs) for innovative, early-stage space technology research of high priority to NASA. Proposals are sought on specific space technologies that are currently at low Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs). The solicitation exclusively seeks proposals that are primarily responsive to civil-space needs and use cases and not terrestrial and/or non-civil-space applications.
The solicitation exclusively seeks proposals that are responsive to one of the following eight topics:
- Acceleration of Computational Fluid Dynamics of High-Enthalpy Hypersonic Flows Using Advanced Numerics and Machine Learning
- Advancements in Autonomous Maintenance and Manufacturing Technologies for the Moon and Mars
- Computational Techniques for the Design and Characterization of Oxidation-Resistant Refractory Alloys for Aerospace Applications
- Entry-Induced Fracture Modeling of Thermal Protection Materials
- Experimental Characterization of Supersonic Retropropulsion Flows at Subscale
- Innovative and Adaptive Filtering Approaches for Onboard Autonomous Spacecraft Navigation
- Large Surface Area Electrospray Thruster
- Robotic Construction and Outfitting for Surface Power Grids on the Moon and Mars
Only U.S. IHEs are eligible to submit proposals to this Appendix. The Principal Investigator (PI) must be either a tenured faculty member or an untenured faculty member on the tenure track from the proposing IHE. Teaming and collaboration are permitted, subject to the restrictions described in the solicitation.
The financial and programmatic support for ESI comes from the STRG Program within RTMD. Awards are planned to start in June 2027. NASA plans to make approximately 24 awards as a result of this ESI solicitation, subject to the receipt of meritorious proposals and the availability of funds. The actual number of awards will depend on the quality of the proposals received; NASA reserves the right to make no awards under this solicitation.
All proposals must be submitted electronically through NSPIRES by an authorized organizational representative. Proposals are being solicited via a two-step process where preliminary proposals are mandatory and only those invited may submit a full proposal. Mandatory preliminary proposals are due on or before August 13, 2026, 5 pm Eastern, and the target deadline for invited full proposals is December 16, 2026, 5 pm Eastern. Detailed submission instructions and due dates are provided in the solicitation. Potential proposers and their proposing organizations are urged to familiarize themselves with the submission system, ensure they are registered in NSPIRES, and submit the required proposal materials well in advance of the deadline.
Technical and programmatic comments and questions may be addressed by email to the Space Technology Research Grants Program Executive at hq-esi-call@mail.nasa.gov. Responses to inquiries will be answered by email and may also be included in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) documents located on the NSPIRES page associated with the solicitation; anonymity of persons/institutions who submit questions will be preserved.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- NSPIRES Cover Page (SF-424)
- Preliminary Proposal Narrative
- Budget (preliminary stage)
- Institutional commitment letter
- Full proposal materials (if invited)
Program contact
- 👤 Dooyoung Kim Grantor
- 📧 hq-esi-call@mail.nasa.gov
- 📞 2408779964
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 43.012 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$16,999,769
-
$15,317,947
-
$15,000,000
-
$15,000,000
-
$15,000,000
-
$12,000,000
-
$12,000,000
-
$5,894,551
-
$4,747,599
-
$4,498,166
Top States by Funding
- CA 17 awards $40.1M
- GA 6 awards $26.4M
- CO 5 awards $20.2M
- MI 3 awards $19.6M
- TX 7 awards $18.6M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 43.012). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $68,553,702 | |
| 2025 | $62,203,060 | |
| 2026 est. | $55,000,000 |
FAQ
Who can be a Principal Investigator for this grant?
The PI must be either a tenured or tenure-track faculty member at the applying institution. Graduate students, postdocs, and non-faculty researchers cannot serve as PIs.
When are the application deadlines?
Preliminary proposals are due August 13, 2026 at 5 pm Eastern. Full proposals from invited applicants are due December 16, 2026.
What kinds of projects does NASA want to fund?
NASA seeks innovative, early-stage research on eight specific space technology topics at low Technology Readiness Levels. Research must serve civil-space needs, not terrestrial applications.
How many awards will NASA make?
NASA plans approximately 24 awards, but the actual number depends on proposal quality and available funding. NASA may make no awards if proposals lack merit.
What is the maximum award amount?
The award range is up to $750,000, though exact amounts vary by project and topic area.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Read the eight specific topics carefully and ensure your research directly addresses one topic. Proposals misaligned with topics will be rejected.
- Clearly distinguish your early-stage research from mature projects. Emphasize low Technology Readiness Level and innovation potential.
- Use the preliminary proposal stage strategically. NASA invites only selected applicants to full proposals, so make your preliminary submission compelling.
- Verify your institution and PI credentials in NSPIRES well before the deadline. Registration delays can prevent submission.
- Involve collaborators as partners, not co-PIs. The tenure-track faculty requirement applies strictly to the Principal Investigator role.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Submitting proposals that focus on terrestrial applications or non-civil-space uses instead of civil-space needs. Proposing research that doesn't clearly align with one of the eight specified topics. Using a PI who is not tenured or on the tenure track at the applying institution.
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