EARLY STAGE INNOVATIONS FOR IN SITU RESOURCE UTILIZATION (ESI26-ISRU)

Support early-stage innovation and technology development for in situ resource utilization (ISRU) capabilities that enable sustainable exploration and utilization of celestial resources. The program seeks to advance technologies that can extract, process, and utilize resources from the Moon, asteroids, or other planetary bodies to support NASA's exploration missions and reduce dependence on Earth-supplied materials.

Small to medium-sized technology companies, aerospace contractors, and research institutions with expertise in mining, resource processing, robotics, or planetary science. Applicants should demonstrate technical depth in ISRU-related technologies and feasibility of advancement to Technology Readiness Level 3-4 within the project period.

1. 1Scientific and technical merit of the proposed ISRU technology approach
2. 2Feasibility and realistic pathway to achieve stated technical objectives
3. 3Team qualifications and prior experience in resource utilization or space technology
4. 4Potential impact on NASA's exploration missions and long-term sustainability goals
5. 5Cost realism and efficient use of proposed funding
6. 6Innovation and differentiation from existing ISRU approaches

Submit proposals through NASA's NSPIRES portal (https://nspires.nasaprs.com/). Proposals must follow the NASA Research Announcement format specified in the SpaceTech REDDI 2026 umbrella NRA. Detailed submission requirements, page limits, and formatting instructions are available in the full solicitation document on NSPIRES or via the direct link to the ESI26-ISRU appendix.