NASA TechLeap Prize: Orbital Clarity Challenge

The sixth NASA TechLeap competition, run by the Flight Opportunities program within NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate, seeking low-cost ways to measure thermospheric density, pressure or drag in low Earth orbit. Up to four winners receive up to $500,000 each across three phases, plus a NASA-funded test flight at no cost to the team. Winners mature their concept into flight-ready hardware within 12 months; US small businesses, startups and research teams are the intended entrants. The challenge opened 19 August 2026, Phase 1 registration closes 28 October 2026 and Phase 1 submissions are due 11 November 2026.