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 Shared Services Center awarded Universities Space Research Association $199,326 on January 9, 2026, under the Science program (CFDA 43.001) to execute a balanced science program based on discipline-specific guidance from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, aligned with administration priorities and direction from Congress.

The award supports NASA's Science Mission Directorate strategic objectives through competitive research solicitation across astrophysics, biological and physical sciences, Earth science, heliophysics, planetary science, and lunar exploration. Work is performed in Washington, DC with a period of performance through January 8, 2028.

Universities Space Research Association, a tax-exempt nonprofit research organization headquartered in Washington, DC, delivers space science research, planetary exploration support, advanced technology development, and federal STEM education programs. The organization operates predominantly as a prime across a diversified federal customer base. USRA's recent grant work in planetary science includes cartographic and topographic research on Europa and Ganymede using JunoCam data and support for the Expanding NASA's Community for Planetary Sample Science initiative, with NASA representing 86 percent of the organization's dollar value by customer concentration.

Participate as a key partner and enabler in the agenc