SWELL, the first space laser beam, is one of several experiments that will launch aboard the SpaceX Dragon cargo vehicle to the ISS and is to be tested by the Pentagon.
The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory is set to launch the Space Wireless Energy Laser Link (SWELL) to demonstrate laser power beaming in space as part of the scheduled U.S. Department of Defense Space Test Program (STP) H9 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) March 15. SWELL is one of several experiments that will launch aboard the SpaceX Dragon cargo vehicle to the ISS for the yearlong mission to collect data during a laser power beaming link in space conditions. The experiment, which is sponsored by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition & Sustainment (OUSD (A&S)) and supported by the Operational Energy Capability Improvement Fund (OECIF), will explore challenges for power beaming’s viability for space applications, and also highlight the possibilities for using power beamin...