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Applications are open for the DevelopSpace Grant 2025. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Opportunity Details
DevelopSpace is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping build the scientific and technical foundations for human space activities through open source development methods. DevelopSpace engages in research and educational endeavors with a focus on open sharing of relevant scientific and technical resources, and fostering related activities and innovations. DevelopSpace enables a wide variety of individuals and groups to participate in the exploration, development, and utilization of space.
Topic Areas
Our first round of grants is focused on work that contributes to the human exploration and development of Mars, including science and engineering work associated with Mars surface resources and operations. Work that is relevant to both Mars and the Moon, and potentially a broader set of destinations, is also supported.
In general, we are interested in supporting work that will have ongoing value and that can be built upon further after the grant effort. Work can be novel research or take the form of reviewing and summarizing prior work and providing information in a form that can be leveraged by other efforts moving forward. Developing and publishing relevant tools and databases is also supported. Education-focused activities should have ongoing value beyond the grant period, including for those who were not directly engaged in the supported effort. Student- and volunteer-led efforts are welcome and encouraged.
Example topics that are of particular interest are as follows, noting that grant proposals do not need to be limited to items on this list:
We encourage applications from areas outside of traditional aerospace and planetary science fields, including those looking to apply terrestrial technologies towards Mars surface development. DevelopSpace can provide advisory support on applicability of particular approaches towards Mars exploration and development, and key questions to address.
DevelopSpace anticipates initial funding will be between $500 and $2,500 per grant, with the award amount dependent on the size of the activity and ongoing value of the material developed through the course of the effort. The funds can be used in a variety of ways to best enable the goals of the project and support our mission, including but not limited to research expenses, travel costs, food for team activities, and modest stipends. In cases where available funding is unable to cover the full costs of an activity, the funds can be used to complement other support and we may be able to help secure additional funds.
In addition to monetary support, a variety of in-kind contributions can potentially be provided by DevelopSpace in collaboration with the project. Examples could include data storage and computing resources, technical and scientific review and advice, and assistance with broader fundraising and project administration activities. Non-monetary support can be made available to projects not selected for funding, which could help prepare a project for subsequent funding rounds. You may also contact us for information about potential advisory support during concept formulation and proposal preparation.
Proposals are encouraged globally, although US Government regulations may limit what entities can be supported. Support for non-US entities may require additional time to coordinate transfer of funds if selected.
The grant application is available through Google Forms; a Google account is not required in order to apply. Please reach out to us via email at [email protected] for any questions throughout the process.
All aspects of the process used and the decisions made in the awarding of grants shall be within the sole, exclusive, and absolute discretion of DevelopSpace Initiative, Inc.
Apply for DevelopSpace Grant 2025
