Robotically Manipulated Payload Challenge: Learn about the Latest TechLeap Prize

STMD Flight OpportunitiesHome Community of Practice Robotically Manipulated… Home About News Work with UsAccess Flight Tests Flight Providers ResourcesOverview Community of Practice Webinars Lessons Learned Library Newsletters Reports and Fact Sheets Solicitations Archives Tech PortfolioTechnologies Flight Summaries Tech Transitions Images FLIGHT OPPORTUNITIES COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE WEBINAR Robotically Manipulated Payload Challenge: Learn about the Latest TechLeap Prize Wednesday, June 3, 2026 | 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. ET Speakers Chris Birkinbine, Project Manager, Space Projects and Partnerships, NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Joe Zimo, Space Technology Analyst, NASA Headquarters Bo Naasz, ISAM Capability Architect (Acting), NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center Greg Peters, Program Manager, NASA’s Flight Opportunities Program Abstract Join us on June 3 to learn more about the newest competition from NASA’s TechLeap Prize: The Robotically Manipulated Payload Challenge. The fifth in the NASA TechLeap Prize series, this competition aims to advance persistent infrastructure for in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (ISAM). Applicants are invited to propose payloads that can be manipulated by a robotic arm in low Earth orbit. Up to three winners will each receive up to $500,000 to develop a flight-ready payload. NASA intends to fly each of the winning payloads aboard a spacecraft that will deliver the payloads to the Fly Foundational Robots (FFR) spacecraft. The FFR mission is expected to launch in late 2027, and the TechLeap payloads are slated to launch in early 2028. Speakers will cover key details of the new challenge, provide an overview of ISAM and FFR, and offer tips for preparing an application. A Q&A session will be included. TechLeap Registration Deadline: July 29, 2026, at 5pm ET TechLeap Applications Due: Aug. 12, 2026, at 5pm ET More about the challenge Submit your application to develop a payload that can interact with, be manipulated by, or be reconfigured by a robotic arm in low Earth orbit for potential applications in robotic inspection, structural assembly, sensor deployment, material processing, or modular systems that can be swapped and upgraded. Microsoft Teams meeting Join on your computer, mobile app, or room device  Click here to join the meeting Or call in (audio only) +1 256-715-9946 | Phone Conference ID: 962 985 094# Artist concept of the Fly Foundational Robots (FFR) mission’s robotic system payload atop the Astro Digital spacecraft. The robotic arm, provided by Motiv Space Systems, will perform robotic demonstrations in orbit. NASA and Motiv Space Systems Learn More and Get Involved Subscribe to Our Newsletter Sign up to receive interesting and relevant news and updates from NASA’s Flight Opportunities program delivered to your inbox, including Community of Practice webinar announcements. Community of Practice Webinars Designed to distill and share the most important lessons learned by suborbital researchers, these webinars are chance to hear from subject matter experts on best practices for preparing for suborbital flight tests. Other Resources Find our Community of Practice webinar series, Flight Opportunities’ Lessons Learned, newsletters, reports and fact sheets related to program activities, and solicitations archives. Contact Us You are welcome and encouraged to contact us to learn more about NASA’s Flight Opportunities program. Keep Exploring Discover More Topics From NASA Space Technology Mission Directorate STMD Solicitations and Opportunities Flight Opportunities STMD Small Spacecraft & Distributed Systems (SSDS) The Small Spacecraft & Distributed Systems program within NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate, expands the ability to execute unique missions… The post Robotically Manipulated Payload Challenge: Learn about the Latest TechLeap Prize appeared first on NASA Science.