NASA opens $500,000 orbital-drag measurement challenge

NASA opened its Orbital Clarity Challenge, seeking low-cost ways to measure thermospheric density, pressure or drag in low Earth orbit. The three-phase TechLeap competition may award up to four winners up to $500,000 in prizes and aims to advance selected concepts to flight-ready solutions within 12 months. NASA intends to offer each winning team a no-cost test flight. Registration for the first phase closes October 28.