Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP) Space Technology Artemis Research (M-STAR)
🏛 National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Can you apply?
This grant is for minority-serving higher education institutions. Eligible institutions must be designated by the U.S. Department of Education as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), or Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs). Both two-year and four-year public, state-controlled, and private institutions qualify. Applicants must be officially listed at the time of proposal submission. Non-qualifying institutions may partner with eligible ones to apply.
The grant supports space technology research aligned with NASA's Artemis program and space exploration objectives. Projects should involve undergraduate and graduate students in research experiences. Funding is provided through cooperative agreements between NASA and the institution.
Program description
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). It is designed to strengthen the role of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) and Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) in the future of space exploration.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- NASA proposal cover sheet
- Project narrative and research plan
- Budget and budget justification
- Institutional commitment letters
- Curriculum vitae of key personnel
- Evidence of MSI/HBCU/TCU designation
Program contact
- 👤 Sarah McGarvey Grants Manager
- 📧 NASAMSTAR@nasaprs.com
- 📞 2026001517
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 43.008 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$156,725,920
-
$127,353,958
-
$29,940,284
-
$24,155,260
-
$20,929,410
-
$9,011,077
-
$8,970,242
-
$6,944,970
-
$6,203,240
-
$5,185,194
Top States by Funding
- AL 2 awards $161.0M
- VA 3 awards $133.8M
- MD 7 awards $78.3M
- OK 4 awards $41.2M
- TX 4 awards $15.7M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 43.008). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $25,293,802 | |
| 2025 | $29,010,174 | |
| 2026 est. | $34,280,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for M-STAR funding?
Only institutions designated as HBCUs, TCUs, or MSIs by the U.S. Department of Education can apply. You must be listed on the official NASA MSI exchange list at submission time.
Can non-qualifying institutions participate?
Yes, non-qualifying institutions can partner with an eligible HBCU, TCU, or MSI that serves as the lead applicant.
What research topics are supported?
Projects should align with NASA's Artemis program and space exploration goals. Research involving undergraduate and graduate student participation is prioritized.
How competitive is this program?
Competition is moderate to strong. $12 million in total funding supports multiple awards. Strong proposals emphasize student involvement and institutional capacity in STEM.
What is the typical award amount and duration?
Awards range up to $1,000,000. Most cooperative agreements run 2-5 years, though the specific project duration depends on your proposal scope.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Confirm your institution's official MSI designation status on the NASA MSI list before applying. Missing this requirement results in automatic rejection without review.
- Emphasize student research participation, particularly undergraduate and graduate involvement in Artemis-related projects.
- Demonstrate institutional commitment through letters of support from leadership and clear alignment with your institution's strategic priorities.
- Build partnerships with NASA centers or other research institutions to strengthen technical capacity and demonstrate feasibility.
- Develop a clear research plan with specific Artemis-related objectives, measurable outcomes, and a realistic budget justification.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications from institutions not officially designated as HBCUs, TCUs, or MSIs are rejected without review. Failing to include substantial student learning and research involvement undermines competitiveness. Vague research objectives or weak connections to NASA's Artemis priorities reduce funding likelihood.
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