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For NASA media support regarding Centennial Challenges, please contact:

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Centennial Challenges Latest News

Sample Return Robot NASA Social Slide

NASA Social: Sample Return Robot

NASA and Worcester Polytechnic Institute will host a NASA Social on June 7-8 during the NASA-WPI Sample Return Robot Challenge.

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Artist concept shows unmanned aircraft system operating in complex airspace.

Partnering for the Aircraft Operations Challenge

NASA has selected Development Projects Inc. to manage the Aircraft Operations Challenge, culminating in a competition in summer 2014.

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Registration opens for the 2013 Night Rover challenge.

Registration Opens for Night Rover Challenge

Registration is open for teams seeking to compete in the $1.5 million energy storage competition known as the Night Rover Challenge.

› Read More  |  › Register Now  →
Graphic for Sample Robot Return Challenge

NASA $1.5 Million Robot Competition June 4-8, 2013

Autonomous robots will compete for a NASA prize of $1.5 million at Worcester Polytechnic Institute on June 4-8.

› View this Video  |  › Centennial Challenges Fact Sheet
NASA's Centennial Challengess program announces the Sample Return Robot Challenge 2013.

NASA-WPI 2013 Robot Prize Competition Registration Open

NASA and the Worcester Polytechnic Institute are seeking competitors for a 2013 robot technology demonstration for prize money up to $1.5 million.

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Overview: Centennial Challenges

Centennial Challenges

  • illustration of a robotic arm holding a rock

    Sample Return Robot

    To demonstrate a robot that can locate and retrieve geologic samples from a wide and varied terrain without human control. The prize purse is $1.5 million.

  • illustration of rover

    Night Rover

    To demonstrate a solar-powered exploration vehicle that can operate in darkness using its own stored energy. The prize purse is $1.5 million.

  • Artist concept of an unmanned aircraft

    UAS Airspace Operations Challenge (AOC)

    A challenge currently in development to demonstrate an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) that can safely "sense and avoid" other air traffic, even when faced with a variety of onboard system failures. The prize purse is $500,000.

  • After the Challenge

    After the Challenge

    A new challenge is beginning for those who choose to continue their pursuit of excellence.

  • image of Goddard

    Past Challenges

    Review some of the past challenges including Regolith Excavation, Lunar Lander, Astronaut Glove and ideas submitted by the public.

  • sky images for Challenge Summary

    Challenges Summary

    View information on the past competitions.

Video Gallery

After the Challenge

Video still from After the Challenge video, NASA 360
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The Ultimate Scavenger Hunt

Sample Return Robot, Centennial Challenges
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Centennial Challenge 2012

Centennial Challenges
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2009 Centennial Challenges

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