The Orbital Clarity Challenge \u2014 the sixth in the NASA TechLeap Prize series \u2014 is a collaborative effort between NASA\u2019s\u00a0Heliophysics Division,\u00a0Flight Opportunities program, and\u00a0Center of Excellence for Collaborative Innovation.\u00a0The Heliophysics Division studies space weather, including how it heats and expands Earth\u2019s outer atmosphere during intense solar activity, creating orbital drag through atmospheric density changes. The challenge calls for low-cost methods of measuring thermospheric density, pressure, or drag in low Earth orbit. NASA is seeking approaches that are inexpensive and scalable enough to be produced in quantity and flown as hosted payloads across the commercial fleet. The challenge will unfold across three phases, advancing up to four winners\u2019 concepts to a flight-ready solution within 12 months. At the conclusion of the challenge, NASA intends to offer each winning team a test flight at no cost.<\/p>\n
Award:\u00a0Up to four winners may receive up to $500,000 in prizes across three phases<\/p>\n
Phase 1 Registration Close Date:\u00a0October 28, 2026<\/p>\n
Phase 1 Submission Close: November 11, 2026<\/p>\n
For more information, visit: https:\/\/occ.nasatechleap.org\/<\/p>\n