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 National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Science Mission Directorate (SMD) awarded a $175,000 Project Grant to The Regents of the University of Colorado (CU) on May 1, 2025. The grant is part of the SMD's Federal Grant Program (CFDA 43.001), which supports comprehensive scientific research across disciplines including astrophysics, planetary science, heliophysics, and Earth system science.

Through this award, CU will execute a balanced science program based on discipline-specific guidance from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, Administration priorities, and Congressional direction. CU will participate as a key partner and enabler in NASA's Exploration Initiative, focusing on scientific research of the Moon, lunar orbit, Mars, and beyond. The university will also advance discovery in emerging fields by identifying and exploiting cross-disciplinary opportunities between traditional science disciplines, and develop a target-user focused approach to applied programs including Earth science applications, space weather, planetary defense, and space situational awareness. The performance period for this grant is from May 1, 2025 to April 30, 2027.

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.