NEW CHALLENGE OPENING IN MAY 2026
Managed by NASA’s Flight Opportunities program, the TechLeap Prize seeks to rapidly identify and develop space technologies through a series of challenges that address specific technology shortfalls for NASA and the nation. TechLeap is open to qualified commercial businesses, academic institutions, entrepreneurs, and other innovators. In addition to a cash prize, winners have an opportunity to receive access to a suborbital or hosted orbital flight opportunity on a commercial flight vehicle.
Upcoming Challenge | Prior and Ongoing Challenges | Webinars | News
Upcoming Challenge
Robotically Manipulated Payload Challenge
To advance persistent infrastructure for ISAM (in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing), applicants will be invited to develop payloads that can interact with, be manipulated by, or be reconfigured by a robotic arm in low Earth orbit.
In Fall 2026, up to three teams will win up to $500,000 each to design and build flight-ready payloads for possible delivery in 2027. Potential applications range from robotic inspection and diagnostics to modular systems that can be modified, structural assembly, sensor deployment, and material processing.
NASA expects to open the Robotically Manipulated Payload Challenge in May 2026. Watch this webpage for updates and subscribe to the Flight Opportunities newsletter to receive a special announcement when the challenge opens.
Prior and Ongoing Challenges
Space Technology Payload Challenge (STPC)
Universal Payload Interface Challenge (UPIC)
Nighttime Precision Landing (NPL) Challenge
Autonomous Observation Challenge (AOC)
View Webinars Related to TechLeap
These webinars discussed researcher experiences and provided useful insights related to NASA TechLeap Prize challenges.
Pre-Registration Q&A Webinar February 12
Watch the recording of the informational webinar we hosted on February 12 to learn more about participating in the Space Technology Payload Challenge.
Space Technology Payload Challenge (STPC): Jan. 8, 2025 webinar
Speakers covered key details of the challenge, tips for preparing an application, and context to the technology areas the challenge aims to address.
Pre-Launch Q&A: Space Technology Payload Challenge
Before this challenge launched on December 10, 2024, Flight Opportunities hosted a Q&A webinar to help researchers learn more about this TechLeap opportunity.
NASA TechLeap Universal Payload Interface Challenge
This webinar discusses the NASA TechLeap Universal Payload Interface Challenge (UPIC) that is seeking a flight-ready universal payload interface.
Practicing Fly-Fix-Fly: Re-flight Opportunity Through NASA TechLeap Prize
At this webinar, presenters explore the “fly-fix-fly” ethos of the Flight Opportunities program and highlight best practices for quickly advancing space technologies.
The Pace of Space: What's New in Suborbital Flight
This webinar discusses a number of new activities across NASA that influence the suborbital flight community, including TechLeap.
NASA’s TechLeap Prize: Advancing Space Technologies and Innovative Teams
This webinar highlights the unique support that TechLeap provides by offering first-hand insight from winners of the inaugural TechLeap Prize: Autonomous Observation Challenge No. 1.
NASA TechLeap News
Small Companies Win Big in NASA’s TechLeap Challenge
NASA Opportunities Fuel Growth and Entrepreneurship for Bronco Space Club Students
NASA Seeks Development of Universal Payload Interface
NASA Offers Fly-Fix-Fly Testing for SmallSat Planetary Observation
NASA TechLeap Prize Winner Tests Quantum Earth Observation System
Winners of First NASA TechLeap Challenge Take Flight
NASA TechLeap Winners Advance Technology to Aid Lunar Landings
NASA TechLeap Challenge Winners Advance to Next Round
