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NASA TechLeap Prize: Robotically Manipulated Payload Challenge

NASA TechLeap Prize: Robotically Manipulated Payload Challenge

Funds developers of payloads that can be manipulated by a robotic arm in low Earth orbit with cash prizes and a hosted orbital flight test.

ClosedNASA Space Technology Mission Directorate — Flight OpportunitiesUnited States
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About

The Robotically Manipulated Payload Challenge (RMPC) is the fifth challenge in the NASA TechLeap Prize series, run by NASA's Flight Opportunities program within the Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD). It is structured as a prize competition, not a grant or cooperative agreement. Congress authorized NASA to use prize authority under the America COMPETES Act to run these challenges.

Up to …

What this grant funds

In-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (ISAM); robotic arm interaction; orbital payload development; low Earth orbit demonstrations.

Key facts
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.7 weeks
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.18–24 months
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.0%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.—
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Application process

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Last verified: 24 Jul 2026Source: www.nasa.gov