NSF 25-529: Transport Phenomena Research at the International Space Station

Research Focus

This program supports fundamental and translational research leveraging the microgravity environment of the International Space Station (ISS) to advance understanding of transport phenomena with applications benefiting life on Earth. Research areas include fluid dynamics, particulate and multiphase processes, combustion and fire systems, thermal transport processes, nanoscale interactions, and manufacturing methods employing these phenomena. The program also welcomes proposals on microgravity effects on materials processing and manufacturing, particularly those yielding metallic materials, metal nanostructures, and ceramic materials. Funded projects will prepare ground-based experiments for ISS execution, collaborate with service providers and commercial implementation partners, conduct preliminary analysis, and analyze and interpret flight data. CASIS will handle translation of experiments to ISS-certified hardware, crew training, payload transport, and on-orbit operations—all costs covered separately through CASIS's NASA cooperative agreement.

At a Glance

• Who can apply: U.S. academic institutions, non-profit research organizations, and for-profit companies (all must qualify as "U.S. Persons" under 22 U.S. Code §6010); PI and co-PIs must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
• Funding & project length: Up to $400,000 total (direct + indirect costs), up to 4 years duration; approximately $3.6 million total program funding for ~9 awards.
• Award mechanism: Standard Grant.
• Key dates: Feasibility Review Form to CASIS by January 12, 2026; full proposal deadline March 4, 2026.
• Best fit for: Engineering and materials science researchers (chemical, mechanical, bioengineering, materials) with ISS-compatible experiments; proposals requiring significant new hardware development are out of scope.