Space Technology Research Institutes

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Headquarters has released the solicitation “Space Technology Research Institutes (STRI26),” 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 "Space Technology Research Institutes (STRI26)” under Keywords, or directly via https://solicitation.nasaprs.com/NNH26ZTR001N-26STRI_B3. Through STRI26, Space Technology Research Grants (STRG) Program within RTMD solicits proposals from U.S. institutions of higher education (IHEs) for IHE-led, early-stage, sustained, multidisciplinary space-technology research focused in strategic areas for transformative impact to future NASA and other civil-space applications. Proposals are sought on specific space technologies that are currently at low Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs). This Appendix exclusively seeks proposals that are responsive to the topic featured in the Appendix: Enabling Future Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine (RDRE) Design Capabilities. The overarching goal of this topic is to advance RDRE system-level performance beyond the state of the art for traditional chemical rocket engines operating under the same system constraints. Only U.S. IHEs are eligible to submit proposals to this Appendix. The Principal Investigator (PI) must be, as their primary appointment, a faculty member at the lead IHE. Teaming among U.S. IHEs is required, with a minimum of three participant IHEs. Teaming with industry and non-profit entities is permitted., subject to the restrictions described in the solicitation. The maximum award duration is five years and the maximum amount $13M total over the five-year period. Awards are planned to start in May 2027.