Defense Innovation Unit opens commercial contest for space-based power beaming
Defense Innovation Unit
DIU's solicitation seeks commercial proposals to beam electrical power to and from orbit, aiming for a 2030 capability.
what happened
The Defense Innovation Unit issued a solicitation, with proposals due July 22, 2026, seeking commercial space-based power-beaming technology across four areas: space-to-space transmission, space-to-ground transmission, energy capture and conversion, and component miniaturization, per SpaceNews and Defense Daily. DIU is running the competition through its Commercial Solutions Opening process using Other Transaction authority, open to U.S. and international companies, wants a lab demonstration within 12 months of award and an on-orbit prototype within 24 months, and is targeting an operational capability by fiscal 2030.
why it matters
Power beaming would let satellites and forward-deployed units draw electricity without relying solely on onboard solar arrays and batteries or fuel deliveries, opening a commercial market alongside existing in-space power and propulsion providers. DIU has not decided whether the Pentagon will own the system outright or buy power as a service from a commercial operator, a distinction that will shape whether this becomes a recurring commercial revenue stream or a one-time technology sale.
for who
In-space power and propulsion providers
signal-to-noise
quick facts
- Companies
- Defense Innovation Unit
- Category
- procurement
- Impact
- notable
- SNR
- 4 / 5
- Event date
- 2026-07-15
- Published
- 2026-07-16 17:34 UTC