NASA opens applications for $500,000 in-space robotics challenge
The US space agency invites proposals for payloads capable of robotic manipulation in low Earth orbit, with winners set for a cost-free demonstration aboard the Fly Foundational Robots platform in 2028.
NASA has announced the Robotically Manipulated Payload Challenge, the fifth iteration of its TechLeap Prize series, designed to accelerate the development of persistent infrastructure for in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing. Managed by NASA Flight Opportunities, the competition invites applicants to propose payloads capable of being manipulated by a robotic arm in low Earth orbit.
The agency aims to foster innovation through a rapid development cycle. The challenge spans three phases over 12 months, guiding participants from initial ideation to the construction of a flight-ready payload. This accelerated timeline is intended to increase the pace of space innovation by reducing the time between concept and orbital demonstration.
Up to three winning teams will receive up to $500,000 each to develop their hardware. In addition to the financial award, NASA intends to provide the successful applicants with an opportunity to demonstrate their payloads in orbit at no additional cost. This support removes the significant barrier of launch and integration expenses for emerging space technologies.
The winning payloads are scheduled to launch in early 2028 aboard an orbital spacecraft. This vehicle will rendezvous with the Fly Foundational Robots (FFR) platform, which is expected to launch in late 2027. The specific spacecraft carrying the payloads has not been named, but the integration with the FFR platform provides a defined target for the robotic manipulation experiments.
Phase 1 registration for the challenge closes on 29 July 2026. Further details regarding the application process and technical requirements are available through the official NASA TechLeap Prize portal.
