← Back to NASA Technology Projects
Honey, I Shrunk the NASA Payload, the Sequel - Phase 2
Completed
Description
This challenge seeks proposals of packaged small payloads that can be integrated on miniaturized mobile platforms that enable lunar exploration or in-situ resource utilization. The intent of this challenge is to gather a list of miniaturized payloads/hardware for small lunar rovers for technology demonstration missions on the lunar surface.
In Phase 1 of the Honey, I Shrunk the NASA Payload Challenge, 4 of the14 invited teams were selected to develop their payloads based on the quality of their instrument development plans. In Phase 2 the selected teams were provided with payments based on development milestone gates. 3 of the 4 teams were able to deliver instruments and documentation packages. Challenge prize money was selected based on the quality of the documentation packages and the ability of the instruments to pass environmental tests performed at JPL. This challenge seeks proposals of packaged small payloads that can be integrated on miniaturized mobile platforms that enable lunar exploration or in-situ resource utilization. The intent of this challenge is to gather a list of miniaturized payloads/hardware for small lunar rovers for technology demonstration missions on the lunar surface.
Benefits
3 eligible submissions received from 3 public teams in the form of identical, space flight-capable payloads delivered to NASA JPL. Payloads will now be considered for mission accommodation.
Solved
Planned for future implementation
Prototype/Hardware
Details
| Technology area | Sensors and Instruments > Remote Sensing Instruments and Sensors |
| Program | Prizes, Challenges, and Crowdsourcing (PCC) |
| Lead organization | Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA |
| Start date | 2020-08-27 |
| End date | 2022-05-30 |
Project contacts
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
How to get involved
This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.
None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.