NASA - Robotically Manipulated Payload Challenge
Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).
Executive Summary:
NASA’s Flight Opportunities program is accepting applications for the Robotically Manipulated Payload Challenge, the fifth challenge in the NASA TechLeap Prize series. The program is designed to advance technologies that support in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (ISAM) by funding payloads that can be manipulated, installed, reconfigured, or activated by a robotic arm in low Earth orbit.
NASA plans to select up to three winners, each with the opportunity to receive up to $500,000 in prize funding across three phases. In addition, NASA intends to offer Phase 3 winners a flight test aboard a hosted orbital spacecraft at no additional cost.
The application deadline is August 12, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET. Applicants must complete registration by July 29, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET.
How much funding would I receive?
NASA will select up to three winners.
Each winner may receive up to $500,000 in total prize funding across three phases:
Phase 1: $200,000
Phase 2: Additional $200,000
Phase 3: Additional $100,000
Funding is awarded as a prize competition rather than a grant.
What could I use the funding for?
According to the challenge FAQ, prize funds are distributed directly to winners and may be used however the winner sees fit, provided eligibility requirements continue to be met throughout all phases.
Applicants are permitted to include any cost categories they believe support payload development, including contingencies for risk mitigation.
NASA states that budgets should exclude flight test costs because NASA intends to provide the flight opportunity separately.
Example application areas identified by NASA include:
Robotic inspection
Structural assembly
Sensor deployment
Material processing
Modular systems that can be swapped, upgraded, or reconfigured in orbit
Are there any additional benefits I would receive?
Benefits include:
Support from NASA subject matter experts during payload development.
Technical engagement to ensure compatibility with the Fly Foundational Robots (FFR) mission.
Site visit feedback from field judges during later phases.
NASA intends to offer Phase 3 winners a flight test aboard a hosted orbital spacecraft at no additional cost.
Opportunity to demonstrate hardware in orbit using the FFR robotic platform.
What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?
Key deadlines:
Challenge launch: May 20, 2026
Virtual information session: June 18, 2026
Registration deadline: July 29, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET
Application deadline: August 12, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET
Phase 1 winners announced: September 2026
Phase schedule:
Phase 1 – Application Period
Applications submitted and evaluated
Up to three winners receive $200,000
Phase 2 – Final Design and Initial Build
September 2026 through December 2026
Winners finalize designs and begin payload construction
Eligible for an additional $200,000
Phase 3 – Complete Build for Integration
December 2026 through May 2027
Winners complete payloads and prepare for flight integration
Eligible for an additional $100,000
NASA intends to offer a flight test opportunity at no additional cost
The application deadline is August 12, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET.
Where does this funding come from?
The challenge is sponsored by NASA through the Flight Opportunities program as part of the NASA TechLeap Prize series.
The challenge supports NASA’s objectives in In-space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM).
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants include:
U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are 18 years of age or older.
U.S.-incorporated organizations with a primary place of business in the United States.
Teams led by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who is 18 years of age or older.
For-profit organizations.
Nonprofit organizations.
Universities and academic organizations that meet eligibility requirements.
Additional eligibility requirements apply.
Foreign nationals may participate on teams under specific conditions described in the challenge rules.
What companies and projects are likely to win?
Based on the published evaluation criteria, the strongest applications will:
Address a clearly defined ISAM capability gap.
Make robotic manipulation central to the payload’s value proposition.
Demonstrate a meaningful advancement in in-space servicing, assembly, or manufacturing.
Define measurable success metrics for an on-orbit demonstration.
Present a technically sound design compatible with FFR mission requirements.
Demonstrate strong systems engineering practices.
Provide a credible path to flight readiness within the competition timeline.
Identify risks and present realistic mitigation strategies.
Show the team has the experience, resources, and project management capabilities required to deliver a flight-ready payload.
Are there any restrictions I should know about?
Key restrictions include:
Applicants may submit only one application as the lead applicant.
Applicants cannot receive U.S. government funding twice for the same scope of work.
Organizations already receiving government funding to develop a similar flight-ready payload may be ineligible.
Federal entities and federal employees acting within the scope of employment are not eligible for awards.
Employees of NASA, Luminary Labs, Motiv Space Systems, Rocket Lab Corporation, their affiliates, and certain related individuals are not eligible.
Participants must maintain at least $250,000 in liability insurance coverage or otherwise demonstrate financial responsibility for that amount.
Applications must be submitted in English.
Organizations must maintain a primary place of business in the United States.
How long will it take me to prepare an application?
The challenge uses a competitive application process requiring:
Technical payload concept development
Systems engineering planning
Budget preparation
Risk assessment
Flight-readiness planning
A video pitch
Written application responses
Because applicants must demonstrate technical feasibility, mission compatibility, project execution capability, and clear ISAM impact, most teams should expect a substantial preparation effort. The solicitation does not specify an estimated application preparation time.
How can BW&CO help?
BW&CO can help your team:
Evaluate whether your payload concept aligns with NASA’s stated scoring criteria.
Identify and articulate the ISAM capability gap your technology addresses.
Develop compelling success metrics tied directly to evaluation criteria.
Strengthen project plans, schedules, budgets, and risk mitigation strategies.
Review technical narratives for consistency with NASA requirements.
Maximize competitiveness before submission.
