Execute a balanced science program based on discipline-specific guidance from the national academies of sciences, engineering, and medicine, administration priorities, and direction from congress.…

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc. (AURA), through its Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) division, received a $68,488 research grant from NASA's Shared Services Center with a performance period through December 31, 2026. This civilian grant supports AURA's execution of a balanced science program aligned with guidance from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, administration priorities, and Congressional direction. The award emphasizes AURA's role as a key partner in NASA's exploration initiative, focusing on scientific research related to the Moon, lunar orbit, Mars, and beyond, while advancing discovery through cross-disciplinary opportunities between traditional science disciplines.

The grant also supports AURA's development of directorate-wide, target-user focused applied programs encompassing Earth science applications, space weather, planetary defense, and space situational awareness. Based in Baltimore, Maryland, AURA will perform this work with no set-aside designation, indicating open competition. As a non-profit organization specializing in managing and operating major astronomical observatories and telescopes for federal agencies, AURA brings extensive expertise in space-based astronomical research, scientific instrumentation development, and advanced data analysis capabilities that directly support NASA's broader scientific mission objectives.

Execute a balanced science program based on discipline-specific guidance from the national academies of sciences, engineering, and medicine, administration priorities, and direction from congress. Participate as a key partner and enabler in the agency s exploration initiative, focusing on scientific research of, on, and from the moon, lunar orbit, mars, and beyond. Advance discovery in emerging fields by identifying and exploiting cross-disciplinary opportunities between traditional science disciplines. Develop a directorate-wide, target-user focused approach to applied programs, including earth science applications, space weather, planetary defense, and space situational awareness.