- Type
- Cooperative Agreement Notice
- Dates
- Release
- Aug 27, 2026
- SSERVI5 Step 1 Proposals Due
- Sep 29, 2026
- Title
- Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute Cooperative Agreement Notice-5 (SSERVI CAN-5)
- Number
- NNH26ZDA016C
- Pdf Text
- SSERVI CAN-5
1
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION (NASA)
Headquarters, Science Mission Directorate
Fiscal Year 2026
Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute Cooperative Agreement Notice-5
(SSERVI CAN-5)
New Cooperative Agreement Notice (CAN)
ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER: NNH26ZDA016C
ASSISTANCE LISTING NUMBERS:
Science 43.001
Exploration 43.003
ANNOUNCEMENT TYPE:
Final text of this announcement
ISSUED:
August 27, 2026
KEY DATES
Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Released August 27, 2026
Step-1 Proposals Due September 29, 2026, 11:59 pm ET
Step-2 (Full Proposal Due) December 4, 2026, 11:59 pm ET
Anticipated Notification of Award 9 months after Step-2 due date
OMB Control Number: 2700-0092
SSERVI CAN-5
2
Table of Contents
A. BASIC INFORMATION ................................................................................................................................... 4
1. FUNDING DETAILS ........................................................................................................................................... 4
2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ..................................................................................................................................... 4
3. AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION ................................................................................................................... 5
B. ELIGIBILITY .................................................................................................................................................... 5
1. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS ..................................................................................................................................... 5
2. COST SHARING ................................................................................................................................................. 6
3. OTHER ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA.......................................................................................................................... 6
C. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION ............................................................................................................................ 6
1. THE SOLAR SYSTEM EXPLORATION RESEARCH VIRTUAL INSTITUTE (SSERVI) ............................................. 6
2. RELEVANT ASSISTANCE LISTINGS ................................................................................................................... 8
3. AUTHORIZING STATUTES AND REGULATIONS .................................................................................................. 8
4. PROGRAM GOALS............................................................................................................................................. 8
5. CAN RESEARCH OBJECTIVES SUMMARY ......................................................................................................... 8
6. RESEARCH TOPIC LIST ................................................................................................................................... 11
7. SUCCESSFUL PROJECTS THAT HAVE BEEN FUNDED PREVIOUSLY .................................................................. 13
8. DESCRIPTION OF NASA’S CONTRIBUTION TO THIS NOFO ............................................................................ 13
D. APPLICATION CONTENTS AND FORMAT ............................................................................................. 14
1. CONTENT AND FORM OF APPLICATION SUBMISSION ...................................................................................... 14
1.1. Selected Guidelines for Preparation of Anonymous Proposals ........................................................... 15
1.2. Step-1 Proposal Content ...................................................................................................................... 16
1.3. Data and Evaluation Costs .................................................................................................................. 17
1.4. Step-2 Proposal Content ...................................................................................................................... 17
1.4.1. Step-2 Anonymous Proposal Content (Volume A) ......................................................................................... 18
1.4.1.1. Proposal Cover Page (NSPIRES web forms)........................................................................................ 18
1.4.1.2. Table of Contents.................................................................................................................................. 19
1.4.1.3. Executive Summary .............................................................................................................................. 19
1.4.1.4. Research Plan ....................................................................................................................................... 19
1.4.1.5. Anonymized Table of Personnel and Work Effort................................................................................ 19
1.4.1.6. Anonymized, Redacted Budget and Narrative ...................................................................................... 20
1.4.1.7. Open Science and Data Management Plan ........................................................................................... 22
1.4.1.8. Workforce Development Plan .............................................................................................................. 26
1.4.1.9. Fieldwork Plan, if applicable ................................................................................................................ 27
1.4.1.10. Citizen Science, Science Activation, or Space Apps Plan .................................................................... 28
1.4.2. Step-2 Non-Anonymous Proposal Content (Volume B) ................................................................................. 31
1.4.2.1. Executive Summary .............................................................................................................................. 31
1.4.2.2. Team Collaboration and Science Management Plan............................................................................. 31
1.4.2.3. Team Agreement on Acceptable Behavior ........................................................................................... 32
1.4.2.4. Fieldwork Team Agreement of Acceptable Behavior........................................................................... 33
1.4.2.5. Contributions to SSERVI and the NASA Mission Plan........................................................................ 33
1.4.2.6. Biographical Sketches .......................................................................................................................... 34
1.4.2.7. Non-Anonymized Table of Personnel and Work Effort ....................................................................... 35
1.4.2.8. Non-Anonymized, Redacted Budget and Narrative .............................................................................. 35
1.4.2.9. Total Budget File .................................................................................................................................. 37
1.4.2.10. Current and Pending Support ................................................................................................................ 37
1.4.2.11. Letters of Commitment, Endorsement, and Support ............................................................................. 37
1.4.2.12. Facilities and Equipment ...................................................................................................................... 37
1.4.2.13. High-End Computing (HEC) Appendix ............................................................................................... 38
1.5. Required Proposal Formatting ............................................................................................................ 38
E. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES ............................................................................... 39
1. HOW TO REQUEST AN APPLICATION PACKAGE.............................................................................................. 39
SSERVI CAN-5
3
2. UNIQUE ENTITY IDENTIFIER (UEI) AND SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT (SAM) .................................. 39
3. SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS ........................................................................................................................... 39
4. APPLICATION SUBMISSION DEADLINE ........................................................................................................... 40
5. OTHER SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................................. 40
6. COLLECTION OF DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION ............................................................................................. 40
F. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION ................................................................................................ 41
1. APPLICATION EVALUATION CRITERIA............................................................................................................ 41
1.1. Step-1 Evaluation Criteria ................................................................................................................... 41
1.2. Step-2 Evaluation Criteria ................................................................................................................... 41
1.2.1. Anonymous Material Evaluation Criteria (Volume A) ................................................................................... 41
1.2.1.1. Scientific and Technical Merit .............................................................................................................. 41
1.2.1.2. Open Science and Data Management Plan (OSDMP) .......................................................................... 42
1.2.1.3. Workforce Development Plan .............................................................................................................. 42
1.2.1.4. Statement Regarding Field Work Location(s) ...................................................................................... 43
1.2.1.5. Citizen Science, Science Activation, or Space Apps Plan .................................................................... 44
1.2.2. Cost Reasonableness ....................................................................................................................................... 46
1.3. Non-anonymous Material Evaluation Criteria (Volume B) ................................................................. 47
1.3.1. Team Collaboration and Science Management Plan ....................................................................................... 47
1.3.2. Team and Field Agreement on Acceptable Behavior ...................................................................................... 47
1.3.3. Contributions to SSERVI and the NASA Mission Plan .................................................................................. 48
2. REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS................................................................................................................. 48
2.1. Step-1 Review and Selection Process................................................................................................... 48
2.2. Step-2 Review Process ......................................................................................................................... 48
2.3. Step-2 Selection Process ...................................................................................................................... 50
2.4. Risk Assessment ................................................................................................................................... 51
2.5. Risk Review .......................................................................................................................................... 51
2.6. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates ........................................................................ 51
G. AWARD NOTICES ......................................................................................................................................... 51
H. POST-AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION ................................................................ 51
1. ADMINISTRATIVE AND NATIONAL POLICY REQUIREMENTS ........................................................................... 51
2. NASA TERMS AND CONDITIONS.................................................................................................................... 52
3. FUNDING RESTRICTIONS ................................................................................................................................ 52
3.1. Direct Costs Limitations ...................................................................................................................... 52
3.2. Pre-Award Costs .................................................................................................................................. 52
3.3. Indirect Facilities & Administrative (F&A) Costs ............................................................................... 52
4. ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT....................................................................................................................... 53
5. REPORTING .................................................................................................................................................... 53
6. ACCESS TO RESEARCH ................................................................................................................................... 54
I. OTHER INFORMATION ............................................................................................................................... 54
1. ACCESS TO NASA FACILITIES/SYSTEMS ....................................................................................................... 54
2. LIMITED RELEASE OF PROPOSERS’ CONFIDENTIAL BUSINESS INFORMATION ................................................ 54
J. APPENDICES .................................................................................................................................................. 54
SSERVI CAN-5
4
A. Basic Information
1. Funding Details
Anticipated Funding for the NOFO $9,000,000 for the first year of all new awards
Anticipated Number of Awards 5 Awards
Expected Dollar Value/Funding Range of
Awards
$1.8M/year for 5 years or a total of $9M*
Anticipated Award Date 9 months after Step-2 due date
*Up to $180k/year of the $1.8M/year total budget per year may be requested for the additional
Workforce Development Plan and/or the Citizen Science, Science Activation, and/or Space Apps
Plan. Up to $250k/year or $300k/year of the $1.8M/year can be allocated to Biological and
Physical Sciences/Heliophysics- or Astrophysics-related work, as described in Section 5.
Proposals may not exceed $1.8M/year for 5 years.
Funding to initiate new awards is included in the FY 2027 President’s Budget. At this time, the
FY 2027 appropriations process has not been completed. Additionally, in most cases awards will
not be fully funded up front and thus out-year funds are contingent on future funding. The
Government's obligation to make (or continue) awards is contingent upon the availability of
sufficient appropriated funds from which payment can be made and the receipt of proposals that
are found to be acceptable for award under this CAN.
2. Executive Summary
Through the release of this Cooperative Agreement Notice (CAN), NASA is soliciting the
submission of multi-institutional, Team-based proposals for research as members of the Solar
System Exploration Research Virtual Institute (SSERVI), referred to in this document as "the
Institute." The Institute aims to advance human exploration of the Solar System to support
NASA’s Artemis program and future human lunar and Mars exploration. It also seeks to develop
the scientific community focused on studying the Moon and its surrounding environment,
including lunar samples, and encourages research that uses lunar insights to inform future Mars
exploration strategies ("Mars forward").
The program’s core objective is to fund innovative research projects that address fundamental
scientific questions related to exploration of the Moon. This includes both basic research aimed
at increasing our general knowledge, and applied research, which focuses on practical
applications related to human exploration. Projects that leverage lunar research to develop
methods and technologies applicable to future Mars missions are also encouraged.
A list of CAN-specific objectives can be found in Section C.6. A partnership between the NASA
Science Mission Directorate (SMD) and the Human Spaceflight Mission Directorate (HSMD)
supports the Institute. SSERVI’s mission extends beyond scientific goals to encompass
community development, training of the students and postdoctoral scholars that will be the next
generation of planetary and exploration scientists and engineers, fostering of international and
commercial partnerships, and integration of science and exploration strategic goals.
The target audience for this solicitation includes a broad range of research organizations. Eligible
recipients include educational institutions (e.g., universities), industry partners, including those
SSERVI CAN-5
5
involved in lunar commerce, non-profit institutions, Federally Funded Research and
Development Centers (FFRDCs) such as the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, NASA Centers, and
other U.S. government agencies. Proposals involving multiple organizations must be submitted
by a single institution, which becomes the Lead Institution. The Lead Institution must be the
Principal Investigator’s (PI’s) home institution. Funding will only be provided to U.S.
institutions. However, U.S. proposers are encouraged to collaborate with investigators at
international institutions, including with those within existing SSERVI international partners
(http://sservi.nasa.gov/internationals/), or in countries that have signed onto the Artemis Accords
(Artemis Accords - NASA), on a no-exchange-of-funds basis, consistent with NASA and U.S.
policy. This CAN does not solicit for international lead institutions. Proposals involving bilateral
participation, collaboration, or coordination in any way with China or any Chinese-owned
company, whether funded or performed under a no-exchange-of-funds arrangement, are
ineligible for award. Please see Appendix A of the Grants and Cooperative Agreements Manual
for more information and details for compliance and certification with this restriction.
3. Agency Contact Information
Program Contact: Please send specific questions about this NOFO to Drs. Sarah Noble and
Amanda Nahm at HQ-SSERVI@mail.nasa.gov.
NEPA Contacts: Elaine Denning, elaine.j.denning@nasa.gov, and Jason Callahan,
jason.w.callahan@nasa.gov.
NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES)
NSPIRES is the NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System.
This web-based system supports the entire lifecycle of NASA research solicitation and selection,
from the release of Notice of Funding Opportunity through proposal submission, the peer review
and the decision process. Applicants may search for and apply for funding opportunities
available at NASA through NSPIRES. For technical assistance with NSPIRES, please contact
the NSPIRES Help Desk at nspires-help@nasaprs.com or (202) 479-9376, Monday through
Friday, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM ET.
B. Eligibility
1. Eligible Applicants
Eligible entities for this funding opportunity include the following. Further information defining
the individual types of organizations are available on Grants.gov and 2 CFR Part 200.1:
• Government Organizations
o Federal government agencies
o State governments
o County governments
o City or township governments
• Special district governments
o Native American tribal governments (federally recognized)
o Native American tribal governments (other than federally recognized)
• Education Organizations
o Independent school districts
o Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education
SSERVI CAN-5
6
o Private institutions of higher education
• Nonprofit Organizations
o Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS),
other than institutions of higher education
o Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than
institutions of higher education
• For-Profit Organizations
o Organizations other than small businesses
• Small Businesses
o Small business grants may be awarded to companies meeting the size
standards established by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for
most industries in the economy
2. Cost Sharing
Cost sharing is not required, but NASA may accept cost sharing if it is voluntarily offered, see
Section 23 of the NASA Grant and Cooperative Agreement Manual (GCAM), 2 CFR 200.306,
and 2 CFR 1800.306. As described in Section 23 of the GCAM, should the recipient not be able
to meet the cost share, the award amount may be reduced in proportion to the cost share not
provided.
3. Other Eligibility Criteria
Ineligibility of Proposals That Include Participation of China or Chinese-Owned Companies
Proposals involving bilateral participation, collaboration, or coordination in any way with China
or any Chinese-owned company, whether funded or performed under a no-exchange-of-funds
basis, shall be ineligible for award.
C. Program Description
1. The Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute (SSERVI)
The Institute is an innovative, virtual research organization that leverages knowledge and
expertise from the science and human exploration communities to support NASA’s goals in
lunar and planetary science and human exploration of the Moon and the Solar System. The
Institute is based on the premise that exploration and science are fundamentally intertwined:
exploration enables science and science enables exploration. The Institute catalyzes collaborative
research that fosters cross-disciplinary partnerships within, and between, the science and
exploration communities, complementing the scope of research supported by traditional
Research and Analysis (R&A) grants. Linking a broad community of researchers, Institute
Teams investigate basic and applied science questions that enable a deeper understanding of the
formation, evolution, and current state of the Solar System, including questions relevant to
human exploration. (For more information about the Institute, please visit the Institute website,
https://sservi.nasa.gov/overview/.)
The Institute supports NASA’s goals of returning to the Moon with human and robotic missions
by funding research that clearly articulates innovative research addressing basic and/or applied
research fundamental to understanding the nature of the Moon and its near space environment.
There is a strong “Mars forward” focus within the Institute using lunar-focused research to
develop approaches to Mars exploration.
SSERVI CAN-5
7
The Institute consists of a geographically distributed network of peer-reviewed and
competitively selected Teams managed by a Central Office (“SSERVI Central”) located at
NASA Ames Research Center. The Institute brings interdisciplinary teams together, each with
their own areas of expertise and capabilities, to address science and exploration problems. The
Institute achieves broad representation across both the domestic and international science and
exploration communities by partnering with industry and international, academic, and
government research organizations. The virtual Institute structure derives its strength from the
interdisciplinary and collaborative nature of its Teams. Selected researchers are expected to
collaborate within their Team as well as across Team lines, as well as within their Team, to
increase and accelerate the overall scientific return of the Institute and explore new areas of
complementary research.
The Institute has a robust program of partnerships with international organizations, including
space agencies, to provide collaborative research opportunities for all members of the
international lunar and planetary science community; these international collaborations form a
core part of the Institute, and international groups work closely with domestic Teams in a wide
variety of scientific, exploration, programmatic, and public engagement activities, as well as and
providing critical interdisciplinary scientific and technical expertise to the Institute. The Institute
encourages collaborations between international partners and domestic Teams. Given the
collaborative structure of the Institute, proposed activities that support the development and
strengthening of relationships with current and potential future Institute international researchers
are highly encouraged. Further information, including the contacts for current international
partners may be found at http://sservi.nasa.gov/internationals/. See Section 2.3 for Guidelines for
Non-U.S. Participation.
SSERVI runs an annual meeting, the NASA Exploration Science Forum (NESF), which brings
together SSERVI Central, SSERVI Team members, representatives of NASA HQ, and the broad
scientific and exploration communities to discuss mission results, scientific results and topics of
current community interest. The NESF is hosted by SSERVI at locations that rotate from year to
year. Additionally, SSERVI is a major participant in the annual European Lunar Symposium
(ELS), which is hosted by different European partners each year. SSERVI also develops and
supports other meetings, often in partnership with NASA HQ and other community groups.
SSERVI has an Executive Council (EC) that meets approximately monthly, both virtually and in
person. The EC is comprised of the SSERVI Director, Deputy Director, SSERVI PIs, and the
leads for the international partnerships. EC meetings consist of rotating research summaries and
discussions of relevant events including updates from NASA HQ stakeholders.
The prime product of the Institute is research, disseminated through professional peer-reviewed
publications, workshops, conferences, and other methods. In addition, the providing of analyses,
perspectives, and approaches for human exploration projects and systems are viewed as valued
contributions to NASA. The Institute communicates the excitement of science and exploration to
teachers, students, and the public, while also developing programs to train the next generation of
space explorers.
SSERVI CAN-5
8
SSERVI places a high priority on development of the next generation of researchers. Since its
inception as the NASA Lunar Science Institute (NLSI) in 2008, SSERVI has supported an
annual meeting of graduate students studying lunar science (LunGradCon), the Next Generation
Lunar Scientists and Engineers (NGLSE) group, and many other activities, and is currently
inviting early career scientists to participate as co-chairs in all its sponsored meetings and
sessions.
2. Relevant Assistance Listings
Science 43.001
Exploration 43.003
3. Authorizing Statutes and Regulations
National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958, 51 U.S.C.
4. Program Goals
Through the release of this CAN, NASA is soliciting the submission of multi-institutional,
Team-based proposals for research as participating members of SSERVI. NASA is returning to
the Moon with human and robotic missions and working to enable near-term opportunities
provided by the burgeoning commercial lunar industry. Proposals must clearly articulate an
innovative research program addressing basic and/or applied research fundamental to
understanding the nature of the Moon and its near space environment to enable future human
exploration of the Moon with Artemis. In addition, proposals that focus on developing the
sample science community, especially studying lunar samples, and operational analogs for
human and robotic activities are of particular interest. Proposed research that complements
current CAN-4 Institute Teams (see http://sservi.nasa.gov/sserviteams/), and/or addresses
important research areas not currently covered in the Institute, may be given higher priority
during selection. Additionally, NASA may occasionally request analysis or input from Teams,
within their sphere of expertise, to address questions or needs that require a short turn around
response.
This program is consistent with the Gold Standard Science initiative outlined in Executive Order
14303. It requires that all research activity is conducted in an open and accessible manner, all
results be peer-reviewed, and estimates of error be presented for all measured quantities.
5. CAN Research Objectives Summary
The scope of the research objectives in this CAN is limited to studies of the Moon, studies that
enable exploration of the Moon, studies that use the Moon to prepare us for the exploration of
Mars, those that use the Moon to understand common processes in the Solar System, or studies
that examine how physical and biological systems respond to the Moon’s unique environment,
with preference given to topics that emphasize studies related to joint interests of SMD and
HSMD. While the topics of this CAN focus on the current primary destination for human
exploration (the Moon), these topics may be considered within the broader context of
comparative planetology. Therefore, innovative proposals that focus on the Moon and include
comparative studies with other Solar System bodies are appropriate (e.g., comparative
planetology and “Mars forward” exploration studies). The proposed research must address
NASA’s basic (science) and/or applied (exploration) research goals and should include
multidisciplinary investigations that address the objectives of this CAN (see below). The CAN
SSERVI CAN-5
9
also seeks innovative ways of integrating research into human exploration-related projects and
activities to maximize science in future exploration missions, as detailed below.
Proposals may be entirely science-focused or entirely exploration-focused or somewhere in
between, provided that the proposed work would address some of the objectives outlined in this
section. When new SSERVI Teams are chosen, a SSERVI “brick chart” is developed that shows
the mix of Team research efforts ranging from science-focused to exploration-focused; for the
most recent brick chart, see https://sservi.nasa.gov/sserviteams, near the bottom of the page.
Supported investigations include, but are not limited to, theoretical investigations, numerical
modeling of physical or chemical processes, experimental/laboratory investigations,
development of technical/technological approaches, and field (analog) studies.
The proposed research should be integrated; thus, proposals consisting of tasks addressing
multifaceted questions must demonstrate significant scientific and/or technical connections
between the tasks. Integration of science and exploration objectives is also encouraged.
Proposals that only address a single question should strive to integrate relevant multidisciplinary
expertise and methodologies. It is required that Teams bring together experts from more than one
institution. Varied technical expertise is also required.
Mission planning, as related to the basic and/or applied research objectives of the proposal, may
be appropriate as part of a larger scientific effort. Studies that use mission planning, laboratories,
or field sites to investigate questions relevant to future human exploration—including, but not
limited to, in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) related science, autonomous systems, regenerative
life support systems, and sustaining long duration habitation/exploration—are also welcome.
Also appropriate are the development and/or enhancement of tools and techniques that facilitate
research efforts as described in this section. Efforts to develop new technological approaches to
scientific exploration of the Moon are encouraged, including, and not limited to, telerobotics,
augmented/virtual reality (AR/VR), artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML), and
autonomous systems. Although this call is not intended for instrument development, some
instrument development tasks to raise technology or instrument concepts up to Technology
Readiness Level (TRL) 6 are acceptable as long as that effort is a part of, and well-integrated
into, the proposal's larger scientific plan and the development efforts are not central to that plan.
Development of new facilities and expanded capabilities to support this scientific research and/or
technology development (e.g., environmental chambers), leading to the advancement in
understanding of the science and/or approaches for exploration of lunar environments, is allowed
as part of a larger science effort, but the proposal must clearly demonstrate that the facility or
capability is required for successful completion of the proposed work. SSERVI and its Teams
maintain facilities that can be utilized to carry out proposed work with agreement from the
managing organization(s). Details about these facilities can be viewed on the SSERVI Facilities
website (https://sservi.nasa.gov/facilities). In addition, facilities funded by the Planetary Science
Division can also be used in proposed work; the list can be found here:
https://science.nasa.gov/researchers/planetary-science-enabling-facilities/. Maintenance of
existing facilities is not part of this call. Proposals to make existing or new facilities available to
the Planetary Science research community are not part of this call.
SSERVI CAN-5
10
Proposals should align the research efforts with one or more of NASA’s relevant guiding
documents, including the “Origins, Worlds, and Life” Planetary Science and Astrobiology
Decadal Survey 2023-2032, as well as those related to lunar science and exploration: the Artemis
III Science Definition Team report, the Scientific Context for the Exploration of the Moon
(SCEM) 2007 report, and the Lunar Exploration Analysis Group’s (LEAG) ASM-SAT, NEXT
SAT, and the AOA SAT reports. Also of relevance are the National Academy of Sciences’
decadal surveys for Astrophysics, Heliophysics, and Biological and Physical Sciences (Pathways
to Discovery in Astronomy and Astrophysics for the 2020s, The Next Decade of Discovery in
Solar and Space Physics, Thriving in Space: Ensuring the Future of Biological and Physical
Sciences Research: A Decadal Survey for 2023-2032), as well as the Global Exploration
Roadmap, and International Space Exploration Coordination Group’s (ISECG’s) Scientific
Opportunities Enabled by Human Exploration Beyond Low-Earth Orbit. NASA’s Moon to Mars
Architecture Definition Document (ADD) can also serve as a reference for expected strategy and
hardware for human exploration of the Moon as well as Technology and Data Gaps of
importance to HSMD. The gap ID must be referenced in the proposal should the proposed
research contribute to the closing of any gaps. The research, training, and other activities
described in each proposal should demonstrate how they relate to NASA’s strategic science and
exploration goals described in the above community documents and the NASA Science Plan: A
Vision for Scientific Excellence (updated March 10, 2025).
Note that the Astrophysics (APD), Biological and Physical Sciences (BPS), and Heliophysics
(HPD) divisions are participating in this CAN as collaborators with the Planetary Science
Division (PSD). Stand-alone APD, BPS, or HPD proposals are not solicited; it is intended that
research related to these divisions will complement planetary science and exploration research in
proposals. Proposals that score highly overall and contain elements from one or more other
divisions will be considered for partial funding from those respective divisions. Proposals with
APD/BPS/HPD components must ensure that the magnitude of the funded work from these
divisions not exceed what each division can financially support. The BPS Division will consider
partial funding of one or more proposals with science objectives associated with biology,
physical sciences, or fundamental physics for up to $250,000/year for five years. More than one
proposal may be partially funded depending on both the proposed budget and whether additional
BPS Division funds are available. Similarly, HPD will consider partial funding of one or more
proposals with science objectives associated with space weather phenomena and impacts on the
exploration environment, history of the Sun and solar system as recorded in the lunar regolith,
fundamental plasma processes and plasma-dust interactions elucidated through testing in the
lunar environment, and/or localized dynamics of solar wind and radiation at locations targeted
for human exploration for up to $250,000/year for five years. APD will consider partial funding,
for up to $300,000/year for five years, of one or more meritorious proposals with science
objectives that can be addressed by utilizing the Moon as a unique platform and associated with
the questions: How does the universe work? How did we get here? Are we alone?
The BPS Division is requesting studies that focus on obtaining a comprehensive understanding
and definition of the physical (geological and geotechnical) and chemical properties of lunar
regolith, so it can be used as a substrate or resource for growing edible crop plants. The BPS
Division is soliciting for investigations that use crop plants, only. Studies will examine regolith
SSERVI CAN-5
11
properties, such as fluid interaction with and flow through the regolith, regolith particulate sizes
and types, regolith mineral composition, and weathering on its properties. Also, simulant regolith
will be characterized for how well it mirrors genuine regolith and how simulant must be
amended for use in plant growth studies. The regolith studies will investigate processing and
amending regolith to remove heavy metals, increase organic carbon, and extraction of nutrients
from regolith to support plant growth. The proposed investigation shall include edible crop plant
growth to correlate regolith properties and remediation on plant physiology, yield, and nutritional
value. These studies will examine the biological responses of different edible crops to regolith
and how the regolith changes over time due to plant organic and inorganic influences from a
single generation or multi-generational growth. For space biology topics requiring the use of
lunar regolith, it is expected that lunar regolith simulant will be used.
6. Research Topic List
The following is a non-exhaustive list of broad topics that apply to both basic (science) and
applied (exploration) research and includes examples that may be used as guidelines; proposals
are not required to address all of these topics.
• Fundamental geologic knowledge of the Moon
o Origin
o Internal structure, including mass anomalies observed in gravity data
o Internal and surficial evolution
o Core formation and structure
o Remanent magnetism of the surface (e.g., magnetic anomalies)
o Volcanic history, emplacement mechanisms, composition, etc.
o Tectonic history, stress mechanisms, distribution, etc.
o Thermal history
o Differentiation processes/mechanisms
o Magma ocean properties
o Global/regional crater distributions
o Inventory and evolution of impactor population through time and inner Solar System
history
o Influence of impacts on the evolution of the Earth-Moon system
• Lunar environment
o Relationship of solar wind dynamics to space weathering
o Exosphere
o Plasma and magnetic field processes
o Dynamic lunar radiation environment
o Effects of deep space and lunar albedo radiation on biological systems
• Processes that affect the Moon
o Space weathering
o Cratering mechanics
o Volcanism
o Tectonism
• Lunar volatiles
o Volatile origin, composi
- Documents
- Url
- https://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/viewrepositorydocument?cmdocumentid=1163089&solicitationId={AB203FB1-0B66-BF02-1A26-EBA50EE72C35}&viewSolicitationDocument=1
- Title
- Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute Cooperative Agreement Notice-5 (SSERVI CAN-5) (.pdf)
- Title
- Link to the Grant and Cooperative Agreement Manual - GCAM (formerly the NASA Proposer's Guide)
- Directorate
- Science Mission Directorate
- File Excerpt
- SSERVI CAN-5 1 NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION (NASA) Headquarters, Science Mission Directorate Fiscal Year 2026 Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute Cooperative Agreement Notice-5 (SSERVI CAN-5) New Cooperative Agreement Notice (CAN) ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER: NNH26ZDA016C ASSISTANCE LISTING NUMBERS: Science 43.001 Exploration 43.003 ANNOUNCEMENT TYPE: Final text of this announcement ISSUED: August 27, 2026 KEY DATES Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Released August 27, 2026 Step-1 Proposals Due September 29, 2026, 11:59 pm ET Step-2 (Full Proposal Due) December 4, 2026, 11:59 pm ET Anticipated Notification of Award 9 months after Step-2 due date OMB Control Number: 2700-0092 SSERVI CAN-5 2 Table of Contents A. BASIC INFORMATION 1. FUNDING DETAILS 2.
- Release Date
- Aug 27, 2026
- Contact Email
- hq-sservi@mail.nasa.gov
- Contact Phone
- (202) 479-9376
- Proposals Due
- Sep 29, 2026
NASAIssuing agency·Washington, DC·via a public procurement portal