Aeronautics

Active

Assistance listing
43.002
Agency
Grant awards
636 $830,992,087 in federal obligations

Program facts

Assistance types
  • Cooperative Agreement
  • Project Grant
Treasury account
  • 80-0126-0-1-402
More information

Program details come from SAM.gov Assistance Listings. Updated . Grant award figures come from USAspending.gov.

About this program

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Aeronautics program (CFDA 43.002), administered by the Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD), funds research on aircraft design, aerodynamic performance, airspace operations, and aviation systems through awards that continued as recently as August 10, 2026.

ARMD operates four major research programs: the Advanced Air Vehicles Program develops aircraft that fly safer, faster, cleaner, quieter, and more fuel-efficiently; the Airspace Operations and Safety Program increases National Airspace System throughput and safety; the Integrated Aviation Systems Program matures and transitions aeronautic technologies into operational systems; and the Transformative Aeronautics Concepts Program cultivates revolutionary multi-disciplinary concepts and engages both traditional and non-traditional research partners. Recent awards reflect this scope: the University Leadership Initiative cooperative agreement (80NSSC26M0059, $1.48 million) funds multi-university and industry teams on innovative aeronautics research; the Flight Safety Foundation cooperative agreement (80NSSC26M0074, $549,782) supports stakeholder engagement for the Sky for All concept of operations; and project grants support computational modeling of hypersonic flows, pressure-temperature sensors for flight testing, and advanced propulsion system controls.

Portfolio activity shows 636 total awards spanning the program's 26-year history (first award December 2000). Award volume has declined sharply: 41 awards in 2023, 30 in 2024, 14 in 2025, and only 4 through August 2026. Combined federal dollars obligated total $831 million with $5.1 million in matching or cost-share contributions from recipients. The funding mix is predominantly Cooperative Agreements (65 percent, 411 awards) with Project Grants comprising 35 percent (225 awards). NASA Shared Services Center dominates by count (399 awards, $611 million federal dollars) and by dollar volume (399 awards, $611 million); NASA proper accounts for 196 awards and $101.1 million; and Langley Research Center contributed to four awards totaling $75.6 million in federal dollars. Nine distinct funding federal agencies participate under the program.

Recent award magnitudes range from $27 thousand to $3.99 million, with multi-year university partnerships and collaborative projects clustering between $1.5 million and $4 million. A University Leadership Initiative 2 opportunity (NNH24ZEA001N-ULI2) posted March 31, 2025, solicits Cooperative Agreements addressing six strategic thrusts (Safe Efficient Growth in Global Operations, Innovation in Commercial High-Speed Aircraft, Ultra-Efficient Subsonic Transports, Safe Quiet Affordable Vertical Lift Air Vehicles, In-Time System-Wide Safety Assurance, and Assured Autonomy for Aviation Transformation) with mandatory two-step submission and Step-A due June 26, 2025. Award selection generally occurs 150 to 220 days after proposal due date following federal budget approval. Merit review is required for all discretionary awards and may employ peer review. All applicants must register in NASA's NSPIRES system.

Objective and description

Objective

The NASA Mission draws support from NASA's world- class capability for aeronautical research founded on a tradition of expertise in aeronautical engineering and core research areas from within the Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD). ARMD

Description

The Aeronautics Mission Directorates support the following major programs: • The Advanced Air Vehicles Program (AAVP) - conducts cutting-edge research that will generate innovative concepts, technologies, capabilities, and knowledge to enable revolutionary advances for a wide range of air vehicles. AAVP's goal is to enable new aircraft to fly safer, faster, cleaner, quieter, and use fuel far more efficiently. • The Airspace Operations and Safety Program (AOSP) - develops and explores fundamental concepts, algorithms, and technologies to increase throughput and efficiency of the National Airspace System (NAS) safely. AOSP-developed NextGen methods and means will provide advanced automated support to air navigation service providers and aircraft operators to reduce air-travel times and delays, and ensure greater safety in all weather conditions. • The Integrated Aviation Systems Program (IASP) - conducts flight-oriented, system-level research and technology development to effectively mature and transition advanced aeronautic technologies into future air vehicles and operational systems. • The Transformative Aeronautics Concepts Program (TACP) - cultivates multi- disciplinary revolutionary concepts, creates the environment for researchers to experiment with new ideas, and drives rapid turnover into potential future concepts to enable aviation transformation. Research is organized to engage both the traditional aeronautics community and non-traditional partners.

Eligibility

Applicant eligibility

Categories of organizations that may be eligible for NASA grants and cooperative agreements include: • Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) - A two- or four-year university or college (including U.S. community colleges), public or private, accredited to confer degrees beyond that of the K-12 grade levels. 29 • Educational Institutions - Non-higher-education entities, such as K-12 education groups or institutions of informal education, are classified as Educational Institutions.2 • Non-profit Organization - An organization that: o Is operated primarily for scientific, engineering, educational, research, or similar purposes in the public interest; o Is not organized primarily for profit; o Uses net proceeds to maintain, improve, or expand the organization's operations; and o Is not an IHE. Non-profit organizations generally exclude (i) colleges and universities; (ii) hospitals; and (iii) state, local, and Federally recognized Indian tribal governments. • For-profit Entity - An organization of any size that is organized primarily for profit. • Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) - FFRDCs are under a broad charter by a Government agency for performing, analyzing, or conducting research for the United States Government. NASA sponsors JPL as the Agency's sole FFRDC, and JPL is not an eligible applicant to receive a NASA-funded grant or cooperative agreement as a recipient or subrecipient3 . However, FFRDCs sponsored by agencies other than NASA may be eligible to receive a NASA-funded award as a recipient or subrecipient. • Non-U.S. Organizations - Organizations outside the U.S. that meet the definitions of foreign organization or foreign public entity in 2 CFR § 200.1. Non-U.S. organizations generally propose for opportunities on a no-exchange-of-funds basis in accordance with NASA policy. NOFOs may be issued jointly with a non-U.S. organization (e.g., those concerning guest observing programs for jointly sponsored space science programs) that will contain additional special guidelines for non-U.S. participants. • State, Local, or Federally-Recognized Tribal Government Agency - o State Government means any state of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, any territory or possession of the United States, and any agency or instrumentality of a State exclusive of its local governments

Uses of assistance

Grant funding may be used to support basic research, educational outreach, and training opportunities related to space operations Applicants should carefully review the applicable Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for detailed information on allowable activities, program priorities, eligibility requirements, funding restrictions, and any limitations or conditions that may apply to the use of funds.

Use restrictions

Restrictions on the use of assistance for this listing are governed by the limitations and conditions set forth in NASA's Grant and Cooperative Agreement Manual (GCAM). The GCAM includes a dedicated section on limitations and restrictions, which outlines the circumstances under which funds may not be used. Applicants and recipients should refer to the applicable GCAM limitations provisions, in conjunction with the specific Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), to understand any restrictions that apply. Only restrictions that are unique to this Assistance Listing or organization are identified here; all other standard limitations apply as described in the GCAM.

Length and time phasing of assistance

Generally, up to three years but no more than five years. Review funding opportunity announcement for additional information.

How to apply

Preapplication coordination

Applicants must follow the proposal submission instructions outlined in the applicable Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Specific submission requirements-including whether a Notice of Intent (NOI) and/or Phase I proposals are required-are defined in the individual funding opportunity announcement and may vary by program. In addition, all Principal Investigators (PIs) and Co-Investigators (Co-Is) must register in NASA's Solicitation and Proposal Integration and Review System (NSPIRES) at https://nspires.nasaprs.com/external as NSPIRES is used to support proposal submission, review, and award processing.

Criteria for selecting proposals

All proposals will undergo an administrative, merit, and financial review. The NASA funding organization responsible for managing the technical aspects of an awarded effort is responsible for the merit review process, which may be based on peer review. All applications for NASA discretionary awards are subject to a merit review with the objective of selecting the recipient most likely to be successful in delivering results based on the objectives outlined in this Assistance Listing. Applicants may consult the NASA Grant and Cooperative Agreement manual for additional information on NASA Proposal review and selection process. https://www.nasa.gov/grants-policy-and-compliance-team/#Regulations

Award procedure

After proposals are submitted, NASA evaluates all applications to determine funding selections, and applicants are notified of the outcome by email. Award selection announcements generally occur 150 to 220 days after the proposal due date, following approval of NASA funding through the federal budget process. Selection timelines may be extended due to budget delays, required final approvals and concurrence, or if additional information is needed from the applicant, such as revised budgets or supporting details required to finalize the award.

Deadlines

See the Funding Opportunity for specific deadline information.

Time to approval or disapproval

For information on application review procedures, applicants should refer to the applicable section of Proposal Review and Selection Criteria of the GCAM: https://www.nasa.gov/grants-policy-and-compliance-team/#Regulations

Renewals

Renewal and extension information can be found in the NASA Grants and Cooperative Agreement Manual (GCAM) and the NASA NSSC website at https://www.nasa.gov/centers/nssc/grants

Appeals

Information on NASA appeals policy and process can be found in the NASA Grant and Cooperative Agreement Manual (GCAM), and does not apply to proposals returned without review by NASA for an applicant's failure to: a. Submit a late proposal where information regarding the proposal deadline (i.e., date, time, and location) for submission had been previously specified. b. Meet the NASA proposal preparation requirements, such as page limitations, formatting, instructions, and electronic submission. c. Submit a proposal that is responsive to the NOFO or that contains sufficient detail. d. Submit the proposal with enough lead time before the activity is to commence.

Grant opportunities

Opportunity Status Posted Applications due
D.4 University Leadership Initiative 2 (ULI2) NNH24ZEA001N-ULI2 Closed
Commercial Supersonic Technology (CST) Project NNH24ZEA001N-CST Closed
Advanced Air Vehicles Program (AAVP) NNH24ZEA001N-AAVP Closed
University Leadership Initiative (ULI) NNH24ZEA001N-ULI Closed
D.5 University Student Research Challenge (USRC) NNH23ZEA001N-USRC Closed
University Leadership Initiative (ULI) NNH23ZEA001N-ULI Closed
A.8 Advanced Air Vehicles Program (AAVP) Fellowship Opportunities NNH23ZEA001N-AAVP Closed
University Innovation (UI) Project NNH23ZEA001N-UI Closed
D.2 - Transformational Tools and Technologies Project (TTT) NNH23ZEA001N-TTT Closed
University Student Research Challenge (USRC2) NNH21ZEA001N-USRC2 Closed
D.4 University Leadership Initiative (ULI) NNH21ZEA001N-ULI Closed
D.4 University Leadership Initiative (ULI) NNH20ZEA001N-ULI Closed
B.3 - System-Wide Safety (SWS) Project NNH20ZEA001N-SWS Closed
University Student Research Challenge NNH20ZEA001N-USRC Closed
B.5 System-Wide Safety Project (SWS) NNH19ZEA001N-SWS Closed
D.4 University Leadership Initiative (ULI) NNH19ZEA001N-ULI Closed
D.2 Transformational Tools and Technologies (TTT) Project NNH19ZEA001N-TTT Closed
University Student Research Challenge NNH19ZEA001N-USRC Closed
D.4 University Leadership Initiative 2 (ULI2) NNH18ZEA001N-ULI2 Closed
B.5 System-Wide Safety Project NNH18ZEA001N-SWS Closed
D.2 Transformational Tools and Technologies (TTT) NNH18ZEA001N-TTT Closed
D.4 University Leadership Initiative (ULI) NNH18ZEA001N-ULI Closed
University Student Research Challenge (USRC) - A Pilot Project NNH16ZEA001N-USRC Closed
SMART-NAS Test Bed for Safe, Trajectory-Based Operation Project NNH15ZEA001N-SMARTNAS Closed
D.2 Leading Edge Aeronautics Research for NASA Project (LEARN3) NNH15ZEA001N-LEARN3 Closed
B.2 Airspace Technology Demonstration (ATD) Project NNH15ZEA001N-ATD Closed
Research opportunities in aeronautics - 2015 NRA appendix b.4 safe autonomous systems operations project NNH15ZEA001N-SASO1 Closed
Research opportunities in aeronautics – 2015 NRA appendix d.4 - convergent aeronautics solutions project NNH15ZEA001N-CAS1 Closed
D.4 Convergent Aeronautics Solutions Project (CAS1) NNH15ZEA001N-CAS1 Closed
D.3 Transformational Tools and Technologies Project (TTT1) NNH15ZEA001N-TTT1 Closed
D.2 Leading Edge Aeronautics Research for NASA Project (LEARN2) NNH15ZEA001N-LEARN2 Closed
A.2 Advanced Air Transport Technology Project (AATT1) NNH15ZEA001N-AATT1 Closed
Research opportunities in aeronautics - 2015 NNH15ZEA001N — —
2013 cooperative agreement notice-dual use technology NNS13459560R Closed
Research opportunities in aeronautics - 2013 NNH13ZEA001N — —
ROA 2011: C.2 NextGen-Concepts and Technology Development Project (CTD1) NNH11ZEA001N-CTD1 Closed
ROA 2011: B.4 Atmospheric Environment Safety Technologies (AEST1) NNH11ZEA001N-AEST1 Closed
ROA 2011: A.3 Subsonic Rotary Wing (SRW1) NNH11ZEA001N-SRW1 Closed
Cooperative agreement notice - dual use technology at stennis space center NNS12417298R Closed
ROA 2011: A.2 Subsonic Fixed Wing (SFW1) NNH11ZEA001N-SFW1 Closed
Show all 40

Grant awards

Award Recipient Federal obligations Awarded
The aeronautics university leadership initiative (ULI) cooperative agreement program goals are to fund multi-university… 80NSSC26M0059 Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University $1,480,000
The flight safety foundation (FSF) will support NASA in advancing the sky for all concept of operations by engaging… 80NSSC26M0074 Flight Safety Foundation Inc. $549,782
Execute a balanced science program based on discipline-specific guidance from the national academies of sciences… 80NSSC26K0448 Michigan State University $37,935
Provide broad opportunities for students at different levels including undergraduate and graduate to participate in… 80NSSC26K0356 Clark Atlanta University, Inc. $40,180
Execute a balanced science program based on discipline-specific guidance from the national academies of sciences… 80NSSC26K0493 South Dakota State University $69,388
Execute a balanced science program based on discipline-specific guidance from the national academies of sciences… 80NSSC26K0036 University Of Texas At Arlington $69,172
Execute a balanced science program based on discipline-specific guidance from the national academies of sciences… 80NSSC26K0038 University Of South Carolina $58,550
The roses funding opportunity goals are: execute a balanced science program based on discipline-specific guidance… 80NSSC25M7141 Baylor University $2,474,157
NASA high-speed vehicle technology development requires advancement in propulsion system controls technology… 80NSSC26K0388 Rector & Visitors Of The University Of Virginia $128,000
NASA high speed vehicle technology development would require robust and reliable pressure and temperature sensors… 80NSSC26K0386 The Trustees Of Columbia University In The City Of New York $128,000

Latest 10 of 636 listed here. See the rest on GovTribe.

Top recipients by federal obligations

Rank Recipient Federal obligations Share
1 San Jose State University Research Foundation $155,362,772 19%
2 City Of Hampton $72,457,984 9%
3 The Boeing Company $68,393,854 8%
4 The Pennsylvania State University $36,602,502 4%
5 Georgia TECH Research Corp $30,248,792 4%
6 University Of Illinois $26,623,966 3%
7 The Leland Stanford Junior University $21,155,191 3%
8 Massachusetts Institute Of Technology $17,284,229 2%
9 Spirit Aerosystems Inc. $16,238,635 2%
10 University Of South Carolina $14,305,588 2%

10 of 212 recipients listed here. See the rest on GovTribe.

Federal obligations by fiscal year

Fiscal year Federal obligations
FY2026 $25,186,876
FY2025 $83,293,282
FY2024 $68,180,963
FY2023 $69,461,547
FY2022 $73,553,361
FY2021 $64,688,542
FY2020 $48,504,977
FY2019 $64,530,283
FY2018 $43,304,993
FY2017 $32,511,773
FY2016 $29,681,648
FY2015 $42,718,917
FY2014 $38,634,654
FY2013 $30,538,375
FY2012 $38,763,288
FY2011 $24,887,734
FY2010 -$60,106
FY2009 -$301,800
FY2008 $336,516
FY2006 $320,204
FY2005 $183,004
Show all 21

Quick answers

What is Assistance Listing 43.002?

Assistance Listing 43.002 is Aeronautics, a federal grant program run by National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

What is the CFDA number for Aeronautics?

Its CFDA number is 43.002: Assistance Listing numbers were called CFDA numbers before 2018.

How much funding has Assistance Listing 43.002 awarded?

636 grant awards under 43.002 have obligated $830,992,087 in federal funds to 212 recipients.

Who receives the most funding from 43.002?

The recipients obligated the most under Aeronautics are San Jose State University Research Foundation ($155,362,772), City Of Hampton ($72,457,984) and The Boeing Company ($68,393,854).

How much did 43.002 obligate in fiscal year 2025?

Grants under 43.002 obligated $83,293,282 in federal funds in fiscal year 2025.

Are there open grant opportunities under 43.002?

No opportunity listed under 43.002 is open now. The latest, D.4 University Leadership Initiative 2 (ULI2), was posted on March 31, 2025.

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