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 Pennsylvania State University has been awarded a $40,000 grant for research by a civilian federal agency through its Shared Services Center, with performance to be conducted at Penn State's University Park campus in Pennsylvania. The award, made on November 13, 2024, is scheduled for completion by November 12, 2026. This research grant supports Penn State's participation in a balanced science program aligned with guidance from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, administration priorities, and congressional direction. The university will serve as a key partner in the agency's exploration initiative, focusing on scientific research related to the Moon, lunar orbit, Mars, and beyond, while also advancing discovery in emerging interdisciplinary fields and developing applied programs in areas such as Earth science applications, space weather, planetary defense, and space situational awareness.

This award represents a non-competitive grant based on technical merit and capability, with no set-aside designation applied. Penn State's substantial track record as a federal research institution, with extensive experience in scientific research across multiple domains including space exploration, materials science, and advanced technologies, positions the university to effectively deliver on the research objectives outlined in the government's description. The grant complements Penn State's broader portfolio of federal funding from agencies including NASA, the National Science Foundation, and the Department of Energy, reinforcing the institution's role as a significant contributor to national scientific priorities and exploration initiatives.

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