Space-Based Neutral Particle Beam System

In the contested space domain, the U.S. Space Force (USSF) must protect critical infrastructure that relies on space-based signals for GPS and precision timing for the electrical grid. Peer adversaries such as China are rapidly fielding terrestrial and on-orbit weapons, challenging U.S. space superiority. Antares proposes adapting mature Neutral Particle Beam (NPB) technology—developed for fusion energy research—to the space domain for both space domain awareness and counterspace operations. NPBs can detect fissile and volatile materials in resident space objects by inducing characteristic secondary emissions, and they can apply non-kinetic, surface-level effects to degrade or disable adversary spacecraft without generating debris.Antares plans to develop a compact, continuous-wave, low-power (<20 kW) particle accelerator with an in-line neutralizer that produces a high-energy, low-divergence neutral particle beam compatible with rideshare-class vehicles. A Direct-to-Phase II effort will validate existing feasibility studies through hardware demonstrations and finalize a preliminary design for an accelerator system that could be hosted on a spacecraft.The Antares NPB system equips space platforms with onboard directed energy to remotely sense nuclear materials and engage threats non-kinetically. By traversing electromagnetic fields without deflection, NPBs require lower power and have a smaller size, weight, and power (SWaP) footprint than laser or charged-particle DEWs. They can incapacitate adversary electronics by ionization or localized heating, expanding USSF tactical options, complicating adversary risk calculations, and serving as a robust deterrent. Additionally, NPBs enable precise mass-composition analysis via detection of secondary gamma radiation when the beam interacts with target materials.With its R1 microreactor development and proven expertise in nuclear and directed energy systems, Antares is uniquely positioned to integrate reliable power sources and NPB technology. This integration will deliver a transformative capability for U.S. space superiority while enabling broader strategic applications and commercial opportunities, ensuring resilient SDA and non-kinetic counterspace options for both defense and commercial sectors.