The Space Technology Payload Challenge invites eligible individuals, teams, and organizations to submit applications for systems that advance solutions to address one or more of a select set of NASA’s technology shortfalls. These shortfalls identify areas where further technology development is required to meet future exploration, science, and other mission needs. In addition, technologies to address these select shortfalls are also potentially well suited for a suborbital or hosted orbital flight demonstration to help mature the innovation.
NASA intends to provide up to nine winners a total of up to $500,000 each as well as the opportunity to flight test their technology at the end of the challenge aboard a suborbital vehicle, rocket-powered lander, high-altitude balloon, aircraft following a reduced gravity profile (i.e., parabolic flight), or orbital vehicle that can host payloads.
THE CHALLENGE
In April 2024, NASA published a document describing 187 shortfalls that are technology areas requiring further development to meet future exploration, science, and other mission needs. NASA asked the aerospace community to rate their importance. The effort led by the NASA Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) aims to better integrate the community’s most pervasive technical problems to help guide its space technology development and investments.
The list here shows the integrated, ranked civil space shortfall list including descriptions and other helpful information. This challenge is focusing on a select set of these shortfalls and other topic areas. Please see the Technical Guidelines for more information on our selected shortfalls and topic areas for this challenge.
THE SOLUTION
NASA is interested in innovative technologies that address one or more of the 81 selected shortfalls and topic areas for the Space Technology Payload Challenge. Specifically, NASA is seeking systems that meet or exceed the specifications described in the Technical Guidelines and are at a level of development where your technology could benefit from a flight test.
Be sure to review the Technical Guidelines, submission requirements, and scoring criteria to understand how you can submit a competitive application.
The winning teams will have the opportunity to build their payload in preparation for a flight test. During the payload build phases, teams will refine their technologies, create prototypes, and validate their concepts through rigorous testing.
The NASA TechLeap Prize challenges are open competitions designed to discover promising technologies for space exploration, discovery, and the expansion of space commerce. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible environment for all participants. NASA encourages participation from individual applicants or teams who may not have previously engaged in other NASA funding opportunities. NASA also encourages submissions from teams who demonstrate commitment to the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. If you require accommodations to fully engage in the application process or webinars, contact us. We are committed to proactively addressing accessibility, and we encourage you to share any needs so we can support your participation. Together, we can make this a welcoming and enriching experience for everyone.
