Development of Directed Energy Systems for Space-Based Applications - SBIR Topic DAF26BX03-DV505

Funding Amount:

Est. $3,000,000

Deadline to Apply:

July 22nd, 2026

Objective:

SpaceWERX, in partnership with Space System Command (SSC) and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), are seeking innovative solutions to enable the development of directed energy systems for dual-use applications in space. These systems can include High Energy Laser (HEL) systems or particle accelerators (neutral or charged particle beams). This effort aims to bridge the gap between terrestrial directed energy capabilities and the unique requirements of the space environment to provide a multi-mission, dual-use architecture. The goal is to close key capability gaps such as space-qualification, power and thermal management, beam control, and pointing accuracy for space-based systems capable of transferring high energy flux to targets of interest needed to support the Space Force’s future architecture.

ITAR:

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with section 3.5 of the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws.

Description:

This project is a strategic partnership between AFRL and SSC to develop space-based directed energy systems. Directed energy systems pose many promising dual-use applications including but not limited to space-based defensive capabilities such as non-kinetic missile defense, space-based power beaming, lunar prospecting, target identification, or debris remediation. For certain applications such as remote power transfer, high energy laser systems can bridge a critical capability gap involving the "power-mass" penalty of traditional orbital platforms, where rigid solar arrays and battery density limit mission longevity and payload capacity. Addressing this now is essential due to the rapid proliferation of distributed constellations that require agile, modular energy solutions to maintain a responsive space architecture. Failure to solve these constraints will lead to the continued deployment of static, short-lived systems unable to adapt to evolving orbital mission requirements or emerging commercial energy demands. Other directed energy capabilities such as particle beam technology offers unique advantages such as active orbital probe inspection or deep space prospecting.

The desired end state is a compact, space-qualified directed energy architecture that increases the current state of the art in power output, beam quality and control providing reliable power-transfer capabilities while meeting strict low-SWaP (size, weight, and power) configurations. Achieving this will enable a more resilient space architecture that integrates novel thermal protection, advanced control algorithms for increased pointing accuracy, and radiation resiliency to survive extreme orbital conditions. These improvements should result in a measurable increase in mission capability with the program ultimately targeting the transition of these technologies toward TRL 6 prototypes in preparation for an on-orbit flight demonstration.

PHASE I

This topic is intended for technology proven ready to move directly into Phase II. Therefore, Phase I awards will not be made for this topic. The applicant is required to provide detail and documentation in the Direct-to-Phase-II (D2P2) proposal which demonstrates accomplishment of a “Phase I-type” effort, including a feasibility study. This includes determining, insofar as possible, the scientific and technical merit and feasibility of ideas appearing to have commercial potential. It must have validated the product-mission fit between the proposed solution and a potential U.S. Air Force (USAF) and/or USSF stakeholder. The applicant should have defined a clear, immediately actionable plan with the proposed solution and the U.S. Department of Air Force (DAF) customer and end-user. The feasibility study should have:

1. Clearly identified the potential stakeholders of the adapted solution for solving the USAF and/or USSF need(s).

2. Described the pathway to integrating with DAF operations, to include how the applicant plans to accomplish core technology development, navigate applicable regulatory processes, and integrate with other relevant systems and/or processes.

3. Describe if and how the solution can be used by other U.S. Department of War (DoW) or Governmental customers.

PHASE II

The proposed solutions should develop and demonstrate innovative technologies to support space-based directed energy systems. Solutions should provide capabilities such as high-efficiency laser sources and/or compact particle accelerator technologies designed for multi-mission utility, ranging from orbital power transfer to material prospecting. The objective of the Phase II effort is to develop, mature, and demonstrate via ground based demonstration for eventual on-orbit demonstration. Phase II solutions should focus on the hardware integration of the directed energy system and include solutions for areas of technical concern such as power/thermal management, high precision pointing, and adaptive control for precision beam-pointing. Offerors are expected to present a complete end-to-end architecture that demonstrates the system's ability to maintain power density over extended ranges in a simulated space environment. Performers should transition from laboratory-scale breadboards to high-fidelity engineering models that reflect the form factor and mass constraints of a standard, commercially available spacecraft bus.

Proposed solutions should include the integration of technologies that address current hurdles to space-based operations such as:

- High-efficiency systems with low mass-to-power ratio that leverages radiation-tolerant design architectures

- Novel solutions for achieving pointing accuracies needed for long range engagement such as non-mechanical beam steering to minimize jitter

- Advanced thermal & power management

The prototype should undergo rigorous validation to demonstrate readiness for future orbital deployment. Successful Phase II efforts will include:

- Thermal Vacuum (TVAC) Testing

- Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL) testing to demonstrate pointing and tracking against simulated orbital targets

- Launch environment simulation and testing representative of standard launch profiles.

A credible development timeline must include major milestones for design reviews, subsystem validation, and integrated testing. Completion of Phase II provides the technical foundation for potential follow-on on-orbit demonstrations, though it does not imply a guaranteed transition to a Program of Record. Final deliverables should include a ground-based demonstration, comprehensive test data, and a refined manufacturing plan for scalable production.

Proposed schedules may account for how follow-on awards, such as a Phase III, in a rapid timeframe could be used to mature the capabilities needed to achieve an on-orbit demonstration. Proposed solutions should include quarterly program management reviews at the sponsoring organization facility and include ground testing demonstrations as part of the proposed work plan.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS

Proposed technologies must demonstrate feasibility by the end of Phase II through rigorous modeling, benchtop testing, and/or subcomponent validation in relevant conditions. Phase II performers are expected to show measurable progress toward subsystem integration, with a clearly defined pathway to full system demonstration. Top-performing solutions that advance during the initial period of performance may be eligible for follow-on awards leading to on-orbit demonstrations coordinated with the sponsoring organization. Any competitive follow-on efforts will focus on advancing technologies to Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7, with priority given to architectures demonstrating the greatest technical maturity, feasibility, and alignment with DoW operational needs. Solutions should consider dual-use pathways such as providing space-based power transfer solutions to the commercial market.

Who will win?

If you can achieve the objective above better than any other company on the market, you have a very high-likelihood of success and should apply.

Who is eligible to apply?

Any company that meets the following criteria:

• For-profit company

• U.S.-owned and controlled.

• 500 or fewer employees (including affiliates)

How Can BW&CO Help?

1) End-to-end support including, strategy, writing of the full proposal, and administrative & compliance support.

2) Proposal strategy and review.

3) Administrative & compliance support.

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