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#
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
