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 Maryland Baltimore County received a $260,504 Project Grant from NASA's Science Mission Directorate (CFDA 43.001) on February 21, 2025, with a completion date of February 20, 2028. Under this award, the institution will execute a balanced science program aligned with guidance from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine and congressional direction. UMBC will serve as a key partner in NASA's exploration initiative, conducting scientific research related to the Moon, lunar orbit, Mars, and beyond. Additionally, the university will advance discovery in emerging fields by identifying cross-disciplinary opportunities between traditional science disciplines and develop a directorate-wide, target-user-focused approach to applied programs including Earth science applications, space weather, planetary defense, and space situational awareness.

The performance of work will be conducted at UMBC's Baltimore, Maryland facility, leveraging the institution's established research capabilities across astrophysics, Earth science, quantum science, and advanced computational research. As a comprehensive research university with substantial federal contracting and grant experience, UMBC will contribute its specialized scientific and technical expertise to support NASA's strategic objective to expand human knowledge through new scientific discoveries across multiple disciplines central to the Science Mission Directorate's mission.

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.