Robotically Manipulated Payload ChallengeHow the challenge will unfold
The Robotically Manipulated Payload Challenge will unfold across three phases designed to accelerate payload concepts from design to launch readiness. Selected winners will have the opportunity to engage with NASA subject matter experts as they refine their designs and build their payloads.
To learn more about the requirements for this challenge, review the technical guidelines, which includes general interface specifications, and the evaluation criteria.
Phase 1: Application Period
Over a 12-week period, eligible individuals, organizations, and teams were invited to complete submissions for demonstrations of payloads that can be manipulated by a robotic arm in low Earth orbit. Judges evaluated submissions and recommended three winners to the NASA selection committee. Each winner received $200,000 and an invitation to advance to Phase 2.
Challenge launch
Virtual information session
Phase 1 submissions close
Phase 1 evaluation begins
Phase 1 winners announced
Phase 2: Final Design and Initial Build
Phase 1 winners will have three months to finalize their designs and begin building their payloads. Teams will receive support from NASA subject matter experts to ensure that their payload designs are fully compatible with mission parameters and the FFR robotic arm. At the end of the phase, field judges will conduct site visits to evaluate each team’s progress, and winners will have the opportunity to receive an additional award of $200,000 each.
Phase 2 begins
Phase 2 site visits
Phase 2 winners announced
Phase 3: Complete Build for Integration
Phase 2 winners will be invited to complete their payloads over the five-month final phase, with support from NASA subject matter experts. Field judges will conduct a final site visit with each team to evaluate the flight readiness of its payload. Teams that successfully complete Phase 3 will receive $100,000 each. In addition, NASA intends to offer each Phase 3 winner an opportunity for a flight test aboard a hosted orbital spacecraft at no additional cost.