DIU Opens Fast‑Track Solicitation for Space Power‑Beaming Network

Overview

• The Defense Innovation Unit published a call for industry to build a Space Power Beaming (SPB) network that covers four lines of effort: space‑to‑space transmission, space‑to‑terrestrial transmission, receivers, and next‑generation components, with priority on space‑to‑space and space‑to‑ground systems.
• Proposals must use existing technology baselines at least at Technology Readiness Level 5 and include plans to reach higher maturity; DIU requires lab demonstrations within six to 12 months and government evaluation for on‑orbit prototypes within 24 months of award.
• The solicitation sets technical preferences that include measurable delivered energy, a minimized receiver beam area for small receivers, compatibility with legacy systems without special receivers, minimal downtime between beaming events, and scalable power levels.
• DIU will accept submissions through a Commercial Solutions Opening using Other Transaction authority to speed awards, vendors must have teaming arrangements ready by contract award, and responses are due July 22.
• If fielded, space power beaming could let satellites run more power‑hungry sensors, support in‑space manufacturing and persistent unmanned systems, and reduce fuel and logistics needs for forward ground units, so the effort may accelerate both military sustainment and private investment in orbital power services.