The Space Exploration & Aeronautics Research Fund
In 2023, the Texas state legislature established the Space Exploration & Aeronautics Research Fund (SEARF), and appropriated $150 million to provide grants to businesses, nonprofits, and governmental entities - including institutions of higher education - involved in space exploration, research or aeronautics industry. The SEARF grant program provides funding opportunities for the following five key areas:
Emerging Technology
Development of emerging technologies required for any aspect of human spaceflight
Research & Development
Research involving any aspect of space exploration and spaceflight
Workforce Training
Workforce training to promote space exploration and spaceflight
Materials Curation
Curation of post-mission materials involved in space exploration and spaceflight
Infrastructure
Development of infrastructure for the establishment or maintenance of a spaceport
- $115.9M
- awarded to date
- 19
- grant awardees as of April 16, 2025
- $34.1M
- remaining for future awards
Grant Recipients
To date, the Texas Space Commission has awarded a total of $115.9 million for 19 projects.
SEARF Application - Reimbursement Model
The SEARF online application portal is currently not open for submissions. Once the Texas Space Commission is accepting applications again, organizations that meet the requirements to apply to the SEARF Grant program can use the portal to apply for funding.
SEARF Application - Direct Award Model
In extraordinary cases, the Board of Directors of the Texas Space Commission may approve grants through a Direct Award model, as set forth in 10 T.A.C. § 321.16. This direct award model can include, but is not limited to, potential matching fund opportunities for eligible entities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you eligible to apply for a SEARF grant? Do you have specific questions about the application? Find answers to these questions and more by downloading the SEARF grant FAQs.
Template: SEARF Application - Reimbursement Model Agreement
In order to receive grant funds, all entities will be required to enter a grant agreement with the Texas Space Commission similar to the templates linked below. The template may be updated periodically to incorporate new legislation, policies, or programmatic changes.
Connect with the Texas Space Commission
Join the mailing list, connect via social, or reach out with any questions, comments, or concerns.