Pulse Space Secures $40M for Orbital Power Beaming

Strategic Beam Integration

Washington-based startup Pulse Space has secured a $40M Other Transaction Authority (OTA) contract from the U.S. Space Force to accelerate the development of orbital laser systems. According to Payload, the funding focuses on a versatile technological architecture capable of both energy distribution and Space Situational Awareness (SSA).

Kinetic and Energetic Utility

Founded in 2022, Pulse Space has expanded its mission profile beyond simple power-beaming. The platform functions by harvesting solar energy and redistributing it via high-power laser beams. This provides two critical operational capabilities:

1. Power Augmentation: Supplying energy to client spacecraft through existing solar arrays, mitigating battery dependency during eclipse periods or orbital transits through shadowed regions.
2. Debris Management: Utilizing high-energy beams to illuminate small, sub-centimeter debris—often invisible to traditional terrestrial sensors—and employing radiation pressure to physically deorbit hazardous orbital flotsam.

Operational Outlook

Pulse CEO Karl Stedman noted that while the technology is inherently dual-use, the U.S. government currently serves as the primary driver for development. Despite the secretive nature of the military requirements, commercial traction is building. Partners include Starlab Space, which intends to utilize beamed power for its station operations, and Privateer, focusing on the SSA data generated by the illumination arrays.

Pulse is preparing for its inaugural demonstration mission, potentially launching this year. To support this trajectory, the company plans to scale its workforce from 25 to roughly 1,500 employees over the next 24 months. The expansion underscores a shift toward active orbital infrastructure management, where light serves as both a fuel source and a janitorial tool.