Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
NASA has launched the Robotically Manipulated Payload Challenge, the fifth competition in the NASA TechLeap Prize series, to advance infrastructure for in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing.
Applicants are invited to propose a payload that can be manipulated by a robotic arm in low Earth orbit. Up to three winners may each receive up to $500,000 to develop a flight-ready payload. NASA also plans to provide an opportunity for the winning teams to demonstrate their payload in orbit at no additional cost.
TechLeap payloads are expected to fly aboard an orbital spacecraft that will rendezvous with the Fly Foundational Robots (FFR) platform. The FFR mission is anticipated for late 2027, with TechLeap payload launches slated for early 2028.
The challenge features three phases over 12 months, guiding applicants from concept to payload build. The timeline is designed to accelerate space technology development.