Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP) Space Technology Artemis Research (M-STAR)

The Minority University Research and Education Project Space Technology Artemis Research program is administered by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration through its Office of STEM Engagement. This initiative is designed to strengthen the research capacity of Minority Serving Institutions and position them to contribute meaningfully to NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate priorities. By aligning institutional capabilities with national aerospace goals, the program supports the development of technologies necessary for missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond, while also reinforcing the broader national objective of maintaining leadership in space innovation. The primary purpose of the program is to enhance research infrastructure and faculty-led innovation at eligible institutions while simultaneously increasing participation in NASA-related research opportunities. The program emphasizes advancing scientific and engineering capabilities, strengthening institutional competitiveness for future funding, and fostering collaboration between academia and NASA. In addition, the program is structured to expand workforce pathways by providing students with hands-on research experiences, internships, and curriculum enhancements tied directly to aerospace disciplines. Funding under this opportunity is provided through cooperative agreements, with an expected award value of up to one million dollars per award over a two-year period. A total program funding pool of twelve million dollars is anticipated, supporting approximately twelve awards. Funds may be used for research development, student support, curriculum design, professional development, equipment, and administrative implementation. However, funding is subject to federal cost principles and includes restrictions such as limitations on subcontracting percentages, prohibition of foreign travel, and requirements for allocating minimum funding toward student support and internships. Cost sharing is not required and does not influence evaluation. Eligibility is limited to institutions designated as Minority Serving Institutions by the U.S. Department of Education at the time of submission. These institutions must serve as the lead applicant and are required to partner with organizations that bring complementary expertise in NASA-related research areas. Each proposal must designate a Principal Investigator who meets specific faculty and institutional criteria, and applicants must comply with restrictions related to prior awards and international collaboration, including prohibitions involving certain foreign entities. Applications must be submitted electronically through NASA’s NSPIRES system, and proposals must include detailed components such as a management plan, data management and sharing plans, evaluation strategy, budget narrative, and supporting documentation including letters of commitment. The submission process requires strict adherence to formatting and content requirements outlined in NASA’s grant manual. Evaluation of proposals is conducted through a merit-based review process that assesses intrinsic merit, relevance to NASA priorities, and budget appropriateness, with weighted criteria guiding final selections. Key deadlines include the release of the funding opportunity in June, with proposals due in August. Optional pre-proposal engagement opportunities such as webinars and office hours are offered to support applicants but are not required for submission. Awards are expected to be announced in October, with funding contingent upon appropriations and performance. The program operates on a two-year performance period, during which recipients must meet reporting, evaluation, and data submission requirements, including annual and final reports as well as participation in NASA-led program assessments. The program is expected to recur annually based on federal funding cycles and strategic priorities. Applicants are encouraged to align proposals closely with NASA’s technology domains and identified research gaps, demonstrating both immediate and long-term impact. Through this initiative, NASA seeks to build a sustainable pipeline of diverse talent and institutional capability that will support future space exploration and technological advancement.

Align proposal tightly with NASA STMD priorities; demonstrate measurable workforce outcomes; include strong evaluation metrics and logic model; ensure budget justification clearly ties to activities