The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Headquarters anticipates release of a solicitation, titled “NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC), Phase II,” as an Appendix to the Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) NASA Research Announcement (NRA), titled “Space Technology Research, Development, Demonstration, and Infusion - 2026 (SpaceTech-REDDI-2026),” on or about May 11, 2026. Once the Appendix is posted, complete details (to include due dates) can be accessed via the following steps:
1. Open the NSPIRES homepage at https://nspires.nasaprs.com/
2. Select "Solicitations"
3. Select "Open”
4. Select "Space Technology Research, Development, Demonstration, and Infusion – 2026 (SpaceTech-REDDI-2026) NNH26ZTR001N”
5. Select “List of Open Program Elements”
6. Select “NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC), Phase II- NNH26ZTR001N-26NIAC_A2"
7. Select “NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Phase II Solicitation Document" under Announcement Documents.
The NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Program supports innovative research through Phase I, Phase II, and Phase III awards. Phase I awards are typically a nine-month effort to explore the overall feasibility and viability of visionary concepts. Phase II awards are for up to two years, to further develop the most promising Phase I concepts, and to explore potential infusion options within and beyond NASA. Phase III awards are designed to strategically advance and transition the most promising NIAC Phase II concepts to other NASA programs, other government agencies, or commercial partners.