NUBURU Signs Contract With NASA For Next-generation Blue Laser Space Technology

On August 8, NUBURU, a U.S. manufacturer of high-power and high-brightness industrial blue lasers, announced that the company has been awarded a contract by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to demonstrate the feasibility of power harvesting in space using the company's proprietary blue laser technology.
Through NASA's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant program, NUBURU has been selected to create a qualified solution to mitigate the high costs associated with transporting the copper or aluminum wires that are critical to delivering power to remote lunar or planetary bases.
"Energy transport is one of the only effective and economical solutions to the power management challenges facing NASA and other space operators today," said Mark Zediker, CEO of NUBURU. "Combined with unique blue laser technology, the system we are currently developing will provide a unique solution that can significantly reduce the size and weight of the equipment needed to meet routine missions."
During the initial phase of the project, NUBURU will focus on determining the scientific, technical and commercial value and feasibility of its technology.NUBURU's goal is to create a commercially viable product to solve this ongoing problem and continue to develop innovative space-qualified hardware.
In addition to solving core business challenges related to power transmission, NUBURU's laser technology can provide astronauts with visual guidance due to the scattering of finely weathered powder suspended on the lunar surface or the Rayleigh scattering of the Martian atmosphere, which creates a guided highway across these surfaces.
NUBURU's Blue Laser Power Beam System will also be equipped with a high-bandwidth laser communications link to ensure laser safety and allow data to be transmitted between widely spaced locations.
NASA's SBIR program funds research, development, and demonstration of innovative technologies that meet the needs NASA describes in its annual solicitation and have great potential for successful commercialization. The process is divided into three phases, beginning with a six-month idea generation period, followed by a two-year prototype development phase, and then commercialization.