On June 10, 2021, the Autonomous Observation Challenge No. 1 launched. Between June 10, 2021, and July 28, 2021, you are invited to learn about the challenge and register.
Before submitting an application, participants must complete registration no later than Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at 5:00 PM Pacific.
August 11, 2021
Competition Period
Application Deadline
Applications will be accepted from registered participants for two weeks after registration has closed. Applications are due by Wednesday, August 11, 2021, at 5:00 PM Pacific.
August 12 – August 23, 2021
Review Period
Administrative Review
Over a period of several days, staff will review each application to ensure that it complies with the application requirements and rules.
August – September 2021
Review Period
Evaluation Panel
During this period, the Evaluation Panel judges will score and comment on their assigned applications using the scoring rubric.
September 2021
Selection PerioD
Selection Committee
Informed by the Evaluation Panel, the Selection Committee will choose up to four Winners who will receive an initial $200,000 each to build their flight-ready payloads.
October 2021 – January 2022
Payload Readiness
Payload Build Round 1
During Payload Build Round 1, Winners will have the opportunity to compete for an additional award of $200,000 each.
February 2022 – June 2022
Payload Readiness
Payload Build Round 2
Upon successful completion of Round 1, Winners will have the opportunity to compete for an additional award of $100,000 each.
Summer 2022
Payload Readiness
Suborbital Flight Test
NASA intends to award each of the Winners of Payload Build Round 2 a suborbital flight test on an appropriate suborbital vehicle.
