On Thursday, October 16, 2023, the Universal Payload Interface Challenge (UPIC) launched. Between October 16, 2023, and February 1, 2024, you are invited to learn about the challenge and register.

Registration Deadline

Before submitting an application, participants must complete registration no later than 5:00 PM Eastern on Thursday, February 1, 2024.

Application Deadline

Applications will be accepted from registered participants for three weeks after registration has closed. Applications are due no later than 5:00 PM Eastern on Thursday, February 22, 2024.

Administrative Review

Over a period of a couple weeks, the NASA TechLeap Prize team will review each application to ensure that it complies with the application requirements and rules.

Evaluation Panel

During this period, the Evaluation Panel judges will score and comment on their assigned applications using the scoring rubric.

Selection Committee

Informed by the Evaluation Panel, the Selection Committee will choose up to three Winners who will receive an initial $200,000 each to build their flight-ready systems.

During System Build Round 1, Field Judges will conduct site visits in October 2024 where Winners will have the opportunity to win an additional award of $200,000 each.

Upon successful completion of System Build Round 1, Field Judges will conduct site visits in March 2025 for System Build Round 2 where Winners will have the chance to win an additional award of $100,000 each.

Performance Incentive Phase

During the Performance Incentive Phase, System Build Round 2 Winners will have the opportunity to integrate their universal payload interface system with a payload and vehicle assigned by NASA for flight testing. They also have the opportunity to win an additional award of $150,000 each, based on their system’s ability to meet or exceed the Technical Guidelines.