NASA Headquarters is soliciting applications for Space Technology Research Institutes (STRI26) to fund IHE-led, multidisciplinary space-technology research on rotating detonation rocket engine (RDRE) design capabilities, with a proposal due date of November 3, 2026. Only U.S. institutions of higher education are eligible; teaming among a minimum of three participant IHEs is required, with the principal investigator holding a faculty appointment at the lead institution. Industry and non-profit entities may participate in supporting roles.
The maximum award is $13 million total over five years, with awards planned to start in May 2027. The solicitation seeks proposals on space technologies currently at low Technology Readiness Levels, with the overarching goal of advancing RDRE system-level performance beyond traditional chemical rocket engines under the same system constraints. This appendix to the umbrella Space Technology Research, Development, Demonstration, and Infusion 2026 (SpaceTech REDDI 2026) solicitation (NNH26ZTR001N) exclusively addresses the RDRE topic.
All proposals undergo administrative, merit, and financial review. Merit review may be peer-based and will evaluate recipient capacity to deliver results aligned with stated objectives. Selection announcements generally occur 150 to 220 days after the proposal due date, pending federal budget approval and any required final agency concurrence.
The opportunity falls under CFDA 43.012 (Space Technology), administered by NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate. Applicants must register in NASA's Solicitation and Proposal Integration and Review System (NSPIRES) and follow all proposal submission instructions in the full announcement.