Description
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. 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. Keywords: AFWERX, SpaceWERX, Space Platforms, Directed Energy, High Energy Laser, Particle Beam CMMC Level: Level 2 (Self)