Partnership to Advance Space-to-Space Laser Power Distribution
Pulse Space and Scout Space to Conduct Technology Demonstration
A demonstration of laser-enabled directed energy transmission between spacecraft is being planned by Scout Space and Pulse Space. The two companies have announced a partnership agreement to conduct the demonstration mission next year.
"Pulse’s innovative mission early next year ... represents the real-world demonstration of a future enabling technology for the commercial space industry.”
Philip Hoover-Smoot, Scout Space
Scout Space will integrate a multi-phenomenology payload and supportive software with a Pulse satellite to empower target identification and validate pointing and tracking of the onboard laser. This initial demonstration mission, planned to launch in early 2026, is specially designed to demonstrate Pulse’s core capabilities for accurate, high-density space-to-space energy transfer via laser while further exhibiting the diversity and broad utility of Scout’s family of close-range multi-phenomenology payloads and software.
The Pulse Power platform revolutionizes space operations with its advanced laser-based power transfer, real-time space situational awareness, and next-generation communication systems. By enabling on-demand, efficient, and resilient in-space energy distribution, precision tracking of space assets, and secure data transmission, Pulse Space enhances operational agility and responsiveness. These capabilities provide unparalleled flexibility and technological superiority, ensuring that the U.S. warfighter remains at the forefront of space defense strategies in an increasingly contested domain.
"By combining our expertise in laser-based power transfer with Scout Space’s cutting-edge vision and tracking technologies, we are enhancing the ability to monitor, protect, and sustain the growing space ecosystem,” said Karl Stedman, Founder of Pulse Space.
Scout’s advanced space domain awareness capabilities provide vital security infrastructure for both US government and commercial space operators. Scout on orbit security solutions have operated since 2021, contributing to a variety of defense and commercial mission sets. With capabilities tailored for customer operations from VLEO to xGEO, Scout plans to perform multiple demonstration missions across various orbital regimes over the next year, including demonstrations spanning tactical targeting, remote proximity operations, high-value target tracking and inspection, and area surveillance.
"Pulse’s innovative mission early next year ... represents the real-world demonstration of a future enabling technology for the commercial space industry,” said Philip Hover-Smoot, CEO of Scout Space. "Adding Pulse to the roster of Scout customers also allows us to further demonstrate our commitment to advancing on-orbit space security capabilities."