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 University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) was awarded a $34,240 research grant on January 1, 2025, for participation as a Participating Scientist in the Lunar Mapping Program (24-LMAP24-0024). This award is not set-aside designated and will be performed at UTEP's El Paso, Texas campus, with completion scheduled for March 31, 2026. The funding supports the institution's involvement in a civilian space research initiative focused on scientific investigation of lunar mapping and exploration activities aligned with broader agency objectives.

This grant award reflects UTEP's established role as a federal research partner supporting the government's space exploration agenda. The work directly contributes to the agency's emphasis on executing a balanced science program that prioritizes discovery and research related to lunar operations, lunar orbit, and expanded space exploration objectives. UTEP's participation as a scientist in this program leverages the university's research capabilities and expertise in support of national space exploration priorities, consistent with its track record of delivering scientific and technical services across multiple federal agencies including NASA and the National Science Foundation.

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.