Pulse Space lands $40 million Space Force contract for laser-based space power tech

Pulse Space has won a $40 million contract from the U.S. Space Force to develop laser-based remote power technology, marking the company’s largest award to date. The deal underscores the Pentagon’s growing use of venture-backed startups and rapid acquisition tools for emerging space capabilities.

Why it matters: - The $40 million award is the largest contract Pulse Space has received and one of the biggest awards at the company’s stage. - The deal highlights the Space Force’s push to speed up emerging space capabilities through venture-backed companies. - The contract may help move laser-based remote power technology closer to operational use in space.

What happened: - Pulse Space announced a $40 million contract award from the United States Space Force for technology development. - The announcement was made July 9, 2026. - Pulse Space is based in Bellevue, Washington.

The details: - Pulse Space develops laser-based remote power and situational awareness systems for space. - The company also works on long-distance communications in low Earth orbit and beyond. - CEO Karl Stedman called the award a "defining moment" for Pulse Space and said the company is honored to partner with the Space Force. - Stedman said Pulse Space’s technical development platform is helping pave the way toward that future. - The Pentagon is increasingly using venture-backed companies and rapid acquisition pathways to accelerate space programs. - The Space Force is using mechanisms like STRATFI, or Strategic Funding Increase agreements, and OTAs, or Other Transaction Authority, to speed operational deployment.

Between the lines: - The award suggests Pulse Space has moved into a more competitive tier of national security space vendors. - The contract also reflects a broader defense trend toward smaller, faster-moving companies for specialized technology development. - The Space Force’s acquisition strategy appears aimed at shortening the gap between prototype work and fielded capability.

What's next: - Pulse Space will use the contract to mature its laser-based technologies. - The company’s next milestone will likely be progress toward broader deployment or follow-on defense work if development milestones are met. - The Space Force’s use of venture-backed contractors may continue to expand if this approach delivers faster results.

The bottom line: - Pulse Space’s $40 million Space Force contract is both a company milestone and another sign that the Pentagon is leaning harder on startups to build next-generation space tools.