Nasa Space Technology Graduate Research Opportunities Fall 2026 (NSTGRO26)

The NASA Space Technology Graduate Research Opportunities (NSTGRO) – Fall 2026, administered by the Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) at NASA Headquarters, offers a competitive fellowship program aimed at supporting graduate-level research with strong relevance to NASA’s space technology development priorities. The initiative is issued as an appendix (26NSTGRO-B6) under NASA’s umbrella solicitation SpaceTech REDDI (NNH26ZTR001N), which coordinates various research, development, demonstration, and infusion projects. The NSTGRO26 call specifically seeks applications from graduate students enrolled or planning to enroll in U.S.-based master's or Ph.D. programs in fields directly related to NASA's space technology objectives. This opportunity was publicly released on December 18, 2025, and proposals must be submitted electronically via NSPIRES no later than 6:00 PM ET on January 29, 2026. NASA's STMD plays a pivotal role in advancing the United States' leadership in space technology innovation by investing in transformative technologies for civil space. Through NSTGRO, STMD sponsors high-potential graduate research efforts that align with mission needs spanning science, exploration, and economic development. Research conducted under NSTGRO awards is primarily hosted at the student's home university but includes collaborative Visiting Technologist Experiences (VTEs) at NASA Centers. This VTE component allows students to engage deeply with NASA researchers and gain first-hand exposure to the end-use environments of the technologies they study. Each student is paired with a NASA technologist who acts as a research collaborator and mentor. Research proposals must address one or more of the high-priority technical research areas specified in Section C.2 of the appendix, which aligns with STMD’s strategic investment framework. Applicants are encouraged to explore the solicitation’s detailed research topic listings on the NSPIRES portal. The award funding comes in the form of grants to accredited U.S. universities, with the student’s faculty advisor serving as the Principal Investigator (PI) on the award. Individual awards can reach up to $84,000, although the total program funding is not specified in the announcement. Each university must submit the proposal on behalf of the student through an Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR), and applications must be completed electronically. Eligible applicants include U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and lawful permanent residents who are graduate students in space technology-relevant fields at U.S. institutions. While the umbrella SpaceTech REDDI NRA allows for proposals from both U.S. and non-U.S. institutions, NSTGRO restricts eligibility to domestic institutions only, as outlined in Section B.1 of the appendix. NASA Centers, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), and other federal entities may not receive awards under this solicitation but may participate as research collaborators. Submitted proposals undergo a rigorous peer review and selection process that includes evaluations of technical merit, relevance, management approach, and cost realism. Selections are subject to the availability of appropriated federal funds. The anticipated start date for selected awards is the beginning of the Fall 2026 academic year. Notifications of award status will be made via NSPIRES, and successful applicants will receive a formal Notice of Award (NASA Form 1687). All proposal development costs are incurred at the applicant’s risk. Applicants are encouraged to access the NSPIRES system well ahead of the deadline to register, become familiar with the interface, and ensure all required information is entered correctly. Further inquiries may be addressed via email to [email protected], and frequently asked questions will be posted on the NSPIRES webpage associated with the solicitation. The program does not require any cost sharing or matching contribution, and proposals that meet all eligibility and formatting requirements will be reviewed competitively.

Start early with NSPIRES registration and tailor research proposals to NASA’s strategic space technology objectives.