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"NASA TechLeap Prize: Robotically Manipulated Payload Challenge" is currently closed and not accepting applications.
NASA TechLeap Prize: Robotically Manipulated Payload Challenge is sponsored by NASA Small Spacecraft & Distributed Systems Program. Proposes a payload that can be manipulated by a robotic arm in low Earth orbit.
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Home - Robotically Manipulated Payload Challenge Robotically Manipulated Payload Challenge Video for illustrative purposes only Your browser does not support the video tag. Advancing persistent infrastructure for in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing. NASA Flight Opportunities invited applicants to propose payloads that can be manipulated by a robotic arm in low Earth orbit.
Learn more about the challenge Video for illustrative purposes only The Robotically Manipulated Payload Challenge — the fifth in the NASA TechLeap Prize series — is a competition to advance persistent infrastructure for in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing. NASA Flight Opportunities invited applicants to propose a payload that can be manipulated by a robotic arm in low Earth orbit.
Up to three winners will each receive up to $500,000 to develop a flight-ready payload. In addition, NASA intends to provide an opportunity for the winning teams to demonstrate their payload in orbit (at no additional cost). These TechLeap payloads will fly aboard an orbital spacecraft that will rendezvous with the Fly Foundational Robots (FFR) platform already in orbit.
The FFR mission is expected to launch in late 2027, and the TechLeap payloads are slated to launch in early 2028. Across three phases, applicants will move from ideation to payload build over 12 months. The timeline for this challenge is intentionally rapid, with the goal of increasing the pace of space.
View a detailed timeline and overview of challenge phases NASA Community of Practice webinar Virtual information session Phase 1 registrations close Phase 1 submissions close Phase 1 winner announcement and Phase 2 start Phase 2 winners announcement and Phase 3 start Phase 3 winners announcement The Robotically Manipulated Payload Challenge will select up to three winners, each of whom will receive up to $500,000 in prizes.
In addition, NASA intends to provide each winner with a hosted orbital flight test at no additional cost, enabling their payload to interact with a robotic arm in low Earth orbit. Want to be notified of future NASA TechLeap challenges? The submission period has closed Receive the Flight Opportunities newsletter
According to the current listing, eligibility includes: Universities, research institutions, and other entities with relevant expertise. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
The published deadline was August 12, 2026, which has passed. Check the official notice for any future application windows before investing time in a proposal.
NASA TechLeap Prize: Robotically Manipulated Payload Challenge is funded by NASA Small Spacecraft & Distributed Systems Program. Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.
Start from the official opportunity page linked in this listing — it carries the sponsor's submission instructions.
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