NASA Launches Orbital Clarity Challenge to Measure Thermospheric Density

NASA’s Heliophysics Division, Flight Opportunities program, and Center of Excellence for Collaborative Innovation have announced the sixth NASA TechLeap Prize, the Orbital Clarity Challenge. The competition seeks low‑cost, scalable methods for measuring thermospheric density, pressure, or drag in low Earth orbit—data essential for predicting orbital drag caused by solar‑induced atmospheric heating. Teams will advance through three phases, with up to four concepts moving to a flight‑ready solution within 12 months. Winners may receive up to $500,000 in prizes and a free test flight. Registration opens today, with Phase 1 submissions due November 11, 2026. The challenge aims to enable commercial payloads to host affordable atmospheric sensors, improving space‑weather forecasting and satellite orbit maintenance.