NASA SBIR Grants: $150K Phase I, $850K Phase II Non-Dilutive Funding for Space Technology, Satellites & Aeronautics Innovation
Comprehensive 2026-2027 guide to NASA SBIR/STTR grants providing up to $850,000 in non-dilutive funding for satellite systems, remote sensing, advanced propulsion, aeronautics, lunar surface technology, and space exploration innovations. Complete application strategies, eligibility requirements, success rates, and funding timelines for Phase I ($150,000) and Phase II ($850,000) awards supporting space tech startups across all 50 states. NASA SBIR takes no equity, requires no repayment, funding transformative aerospace R&D advancing space exploration and aeronautics through innovative small business solutions supporting NASA missions to Moon, Mars, and beyond[web:202][web:204][web:207].
NASA SBIR Space Tech Grants by Region and Aerospace Hub (2026-2027 Funding Available)
Aerospace Innovation:
- • Silicon Valley space NASA
- • Los Angeles aerospace SBIR
- • San Diego satellite tech
- • Pasadena JPL proximity
- • Long Beach propulsion
- • SF Bay remote sensing
- • Mojave spaceport startups
120+ NASA awards annually
Space Exploration:
- • Houston JSC proximity NASA
- • Austin space tech SBIR
- • San Antonio aerospace
- • Dallas satellite systems
- • Huntsville Alabama space
- • New Orleans propulsion
- • Florida Space Coast
80+ NASA awards annually
Aeronautics & Space:
- • Boston MIT aerospace NASA
- • Cambridge space tech
- • NYC satellite startups
- • Philadelphia sensors
- • Connecticut aerospace
- • Maryland Goddard proximity
- • Virginia Langley research
50+ NASA awards annually
New Space Industry:
- • Colorado aerospace NASA
- • Seattle space tech SBIR
- • Arizona satellite systems
- • New Mexico spaceport
- • Ohio Glenn research
- • Nevada aerospace
- • Utah space startups
40+ NASA awards annually
🔥 High-Demand NASA SBIR Space Tech Keywords 2026-2027:
🚀 2026-2027 NASA SBIR Program Highlights
Complete NASA SBIR/STTR Funding Ecosystem for Space Tech Startups
The NASA SBIR/STTR program provides non-dilutive grants for research and development of innovative space technologies addressing NASA mission needs and commercial space market opportunities. NASA seeks breakthrough innovations in satellite systems, remote sensing, propulsion, lunar surface technology, Mars exploration, aeronautics, and dual-use space applications with strong commercialization potential[web:202][web:204][web:207].
Space tech startups can access Phase I funding (up to $150,000) to prove technical feasibility and space application over 6 months, followed by Phase II awards (up to $850,000) for prototype development, space testing, and commercial transition over 24 months. NASA evaluates proposals on technical innovation, NASA mission relevance, commercial viability, and dual-use potential supporting Artemis lunar program, Mars exploration, Earth science satellites, space stations, and aeronautics advancing American leadership in space[web:202][web:203][web:207].
NASA SBIR and STTR Program Details 2026-2027
Complete breakdown of Phase I, Phase II funding programs with space tech topic areas and application timelines
Phase I Program Overview
Phase I Space Tech Objectives:
• Technical Feasibility: Prove space technology works in relevant environment with space-grade performance metrics
• NASA Mission Relevance: Demonstrate technology addresses specific NASA need supporting Artemis lunar Mars exploration satellites
• Space Application: Validate technology functions in space conditions vacuum thermal radiation microgravity
• Commercial Viability: Identify commercial space market applications beyond NASA enabling dual-use business model
• Phase II Readiness: Develop prototype design manufacturing plan testing strategy for Phase II development
Phase I Success Stories - Space Tech
🚀 Silicon Valley Satellite - $150K Phase I
California satellite startup received NASA Phase I for miniaturized propulsion system enabling 50% mass reduction CubeSat missions validated through ground testing. Transition to Phase II with commercial launch customer.
Location: Silicon Valley CA | Tech: Propulsion | Phase II: Funded $850K
🚀 Houston Lunar Tech - $145K Phase I Grant
Texas lunar technology company obtained NASA SBIR Phase I for regolith excavation system supporting Artemis lunar base construction validated through lunar simulant testing. NASA Johnson Space Center partnership.
Location: Houston TX | Tech: Lunar Systems | Mission: Artemis program
🚀 Boston Remote Sensing - $150K Phase I Award
Massachusetts Earth observation startup secured NASA Phase I for hyperspectral imaging sensor achieving 10x resolution improvement for climate monitoring validated through airborne testing. Commercial agriculture customers identified.
Location: Boston MA | Tech: Remote Sensing | Resolution: 10x improvement
🚀 Seattle Aeronautics - $140K Phase I Funding
Washington aeronautics startup received NASA SBIR Phase I for electric propulsion system reducing aircraft emissions 80% validated through wind tunnel testing. Commercial aviation partnerships with regional carriers exploring adoption.
Location: Seattle WA | Tech: Aeronautics | Emissions: -80% reduction
📍 NASA SBIR Phase I Application Deadlines 2026-2027
Annual Solicitations:
- • Opens: January 2026
- • Closes: May 21, 2026
- • Awards: Summer 2026
- • SBIR Ignite: June-July 2026
Review Timeline:
- • Technical review: 60 days
- • I-Corps customer discovery
- • Award decision: 3-4 months
- • Contract start: 30 days
SBIR Ignite Program:
- • Focused topic areas
- • Rapid Phase I awards
- • Commercialization emphasis
- • New firm participation
Visit nasa.gov/sbir_sttr for topic releases and ProSAMS submission portal[web:202][web:208]
Phase II Program Overview
Phase II Space Activities:
- • Prototype development space-qualified hardware
- • Environmental testing thermal vacuum radiation
- • NASA mission integration and flight readiness
- • Commercial partnerships and customer acquisition
- • Manufacturing scale-up and supply chain
Phase II Success Stories
💎 LA Satellite - $850K Phase II + $10M Contract
California satellite company received $850K NASA Phase II for advanced propulsion system deployed on NASA Earth science mission. Subsequently secured $10M NASA contract for 5 additional satellite missions plus $20M commercial contracts with imaging companies.
Location: Los Angeles CA | Contract: $10M NASA | Commercial: $20M
💎 Houston Lunar - $800K Phase II Award
Texas lunar technology startup obtained $800K NASA Phase II for excavation system selected for Artemis lunar mission technology demonstration. Commercial mining partnerships with $30M contracts demonstrating terrestrial applications. Pre-IPO valuation $150M.
Location: Houston TX | Mission: Artemis | Valuation: $150M
💎 Boston Remote Sensing - $850K Phase II Funding
Massachusetts Earth observation company secured $850K NASA Phase II for hyperspectral sensor deployed on International Space Station. Commercial agriculture customers generating $25M ARR. Acquired by aerospace prime contractor for $200M validating dual-use business model.
Location: Boston MA | Exit: $200M acquisition | Revenue: $25M ARR
Space Exploration:
- • Lunar surface systems Artemis program
- • Mars exploration technology rovers
- • In-space manufacturing and assembly
- • Life support systems habitats
- • Advanced propulsion systems
Satellites & Sensing:
- • Satellite systems CubeSat technology
- • Remote sensing Earth observation
- • Hyperspectral imaging sensors
- • Communications systems optical
- • Autonomous guidance navigation
Aeronautics:
- • Electric propulsion sustainable aviation
- • Advanced materials composites
- • Autonomous flight systems UAV
- • Air traffic management UTM
- • Supersonic low-boom technology
NASA SBIR Application Success Strategies 2026-2027
Clearly articulate how technology addresses specific NASA need supporting Artemis lunar program Mars exploration Earth science satellites with quantified mission benefits
Demonstrate technology functions in space environment vacuum thermal radiation microgravity with test data proving space readiness reducing NASA technical risk
Identify commercial space market opportunities beyond NASA enabling business sustainability with commercial customers revenue demonstrating dual-use viability
Engage NASA centers (JPL, JSC, Glenn, Langley, Goddard) for technical support facility access mission integration opportunities strengthening NASA relationships
Generic space technology without clear connection to specific NASA mission or program. Must address topic description requirements and NASA strategic priorities
Technology not validated for space conditions vacuum thermal radiation. NASA needs proof technology survives space environment before funding development
Technology only useful for NASA without commercial applications. Need dual-use business model showing commercial space market enabling company sustainability beyond government contracts
Ready to Access NASA SBIR Funding and Win Space Tech Grants?
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📥 Free NASA SBIR Guide
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✓ $50M+ total funding secured
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✓ Dual-use commercialization
🚀 NASA SBIR Grant Assistance: Phase I $150K • Phase II $850K • Satellite systems • Remote sensing • Propulsion technology • Lunar surface • Mars exploration • Aeronautics innovation • Space qualification • NASA mission integration • Artemis program • Commercial space • Dual-use technology supporting American space leadership advancing exploration Moon Mars beyond