HELCoW: High energy laser capable of welding

High Energy Laser for Construction & Welding, or HELCoW is a direct diode laser (DDL) subsystem capable of cleaning and conduction welding aluminum and stainless steel in orbital and lunar surface environments. HELCoW will be designed to be compatible as a payload on several Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) provider spacecraft, as well as orbital spacecraft, and shall be capable of operating in microtorr vacuum levels at lunar south pole daytime temperatures (-50 °C to 60°C). The proposed architecture allows the system to operate without consumables or maintenance for extended periods of time in the space environment while monitoring and adapting to system health. Funding will be used to advance the designs of the Laser Toolhead Subsystem, Robotic Positioning & Manipulation Subsystem, and the Lander Mounted (Control Electronics & Thermal Management) Subsystem to allow for system testing in thermal vacuum chamber environments and space environments on an orbital or lunar surface mission. Target markets include private space companies and several NASA programs.