Opportunity
Simpler Grants.gov #NNH26ZTR001N-26ESI-B7
NASA Solicitation for Early-Stage Lunar ISRU Water Purification Research
Buyer
NASA Headquarters
Posted
July 06, 2026
Respond By
August 13, 2026
Identifier
NNH26ZTR001N-26ESI-B7
NAICS
927110, 541715
NASA Headquarters is seeking innovative research proposals from U.S. higher education institutions for lunar in situ resource utilization (ISRU) water purification technologies. - Government Buyer: - NASA Headquarters, Space Technology Research Grants (STRG) Program, Research and Technology Mission Directorate (RTMD) - Solicitation Details: - Focused on early-stage (low TRL) space technology research - Topic: Lunar ISRU water purification for civil-space applications - Part of the Space Technology Research, Development, Demonstration, and Infusion 2026 (SpaceTech REDDI 2026) program - Solicitation title: Early Stage Innovations for In Situ Resource Utilization (ESI26-ISRU) - Eligibility and Application: - Only tenured or tenure-track faculty from U.S. institutions of higher education may apply - Proposals must be submitted electronically via NSPIRES - Teaming and collaboration are allowed within solicitation restrictions - Awards and Funding: - Approximately three awards anticipated - Minimum funding of $1,500,000 per award - No specific OEMs, vendors, or commercial products are mentioned, as this is a research grant opportunity - Unique Requirements: - Research must address lunar water purification at low Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) - Proposals must be responsive to civil-space needs
Description
NASA Headquarters has released a solicitation for Early Stage Innovations for In Situ Resource Utilization as part of the Space Technology Research, Development, Demonstration, and Infusion 2026 program. The solicitation seeks proposals from U.S. institutions of higher education for innovative, early-stage space technology research focused on lunar in situ resource utilization water purification. Proposals must address civil-space needs and are targeted at low Technology Readiness Levels. Approximately three awards will be made, with funding starting in June 2027 and a minimum funding amount of $1,500,000 per award.