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.…

Michigan State University has been awarded a $459,944 research grant by the Shared Services Center (a civilian federal agency) to execute a balanced science program aligned with guidance from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and congressional direction. The award, effective February 19, 2025, with an ultimate completion date of February 18, 2028, positions MSU as a key partner in the agency's exploration initiative, with emphasis on scientific research concerning the Moon, lunar orbit, Mars, and beyond. The scope encompasses advancing discovery in emerging cross-disciplinary fields and developing a directorate-wide, target-user focused approach to applied programs including Earth science applications, space weather, planetary defense, and space situational awareness. This is an uncompetitive award with no set-aside designation.

MSU's extensive track record as a premier research institution strengthens its capacity to deliver on this multifaceted science program. The university has demonstrated substantial expertise across the relevant scientific domains through prior federal awards totaling millions of dollars from agencies including the National Science Foundation, Department of Energy, National Institutes of Health, and others. MSU's research portfolio spans planetary science, Earth observation, physics, engineering, and interdisciplinary initiatives that directly support the objectives outlined in this award. The research will be conducted at MSU's East Lansing, Michigan campus, leveraging the institution's research infrastructure and expertise to advance the agency's science priorities.

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