National Aeronautics and Space Administration logo
National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Cube Quest Challenge

Pays up to $5 million to teams that build and fly small CubeSats around the Moon and beyond.

Between cyclesNational Aeronautics and Space AdministrationUnited States

Cube Quest Challenge is a NASA prize, run through its Centennial Challenges Program, that pays up to $5 million to teams that build and fly small CubeSats around the Moon and beyond. Competitors advance through qualifying Ground Tournaments to earn a flight slot as a secondary payload on the first integrated Orion/Space Launch System flight, then compete in a Lunar Derby for stable lunar orbit or …

NASA's Cube Quest Challenge is a technology-demonstration prize for CubeSat-scale spacecraft, asking teams to design, build and fly small satellites capable of stable lunar orbit or deep-space communication beyond the Moon. It targets makers, citizen inventors, small companies and university teams working on small-satellite propulsion, navigation and communications.

CycleiHow often this grant runs - e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.No fixed schedule
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.-
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.-
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.-
Award typeiThe form of funding - grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Prize
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.-
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.$5M

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