LASER LOGISTICS: Pulse Space Secures $40M Space Force Contract
Pulse Space has landed a $40 million U.S. Space Force contract to mature laser systems capable of beaming both power and data between orbital assets.
DATA AND POWER BY WIRELESS OPTICS
Washington-based startup Pulse Space has secured a $40 million contract from the U.S. Space Force to accelerate the development of orbital laser transmission systems. According to SpaceNews, the 2022-founded firm aims to refine technology that enables the wireless transfer of both electrical power and high-bandwidth data between spacecraft.
RESILIENT ORBITAL NETWORKS
The initiative focuses on establishing a network of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites capable of maintaining secure optical links. By utilizing high-power lasers, Pulse Space intends to bypass traditional constraints—such as atmospheric turbulence and platform weight—allowing satellites to share energy reserves and communication throughput mid-flight. This capability is viewed as a critical component for future constellation resiliency.
DEFENSE INTEGRATION
While specific military applications for this $40 million award remain classified, Pulse Space is already positioned within the broader Pentagon ecosystem. The company is a vendor for the Missile Defense Agency’s (MDA) SHIELD program, supporting the "Golden Dome" missile defense architecture. The latest funding follows a prior $1.9 million SBIR phase and a 2023 partnership with Scout Space to demonstrate directed energy transmission in a space environment.
TECHNICAL OBJECTIVES
- Energy Transfer: Real-time beaming of power to extend satellite operational lifespans.
- Optical Comms: Secure, high-bandwidth data relay via precise laser beams.
- Atmospheric Mitigation: Systems designed to overcome weather-based interference for ground-to-space links.