The contract, valued at $750,000, is for the preliminary design of a space-based flywheel energy storage system for satellite applications, and is a Phase II award under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program of the U.S. Small Business Administration's Office of Technology.

Beacon announced completion of an associated Phase I project earlier this year.

"We're very pleased to receive this contract from the AFRL and DARPA," said Bill Capp, Beacon Power President and CEO.

"This project is not only an important step toward expanding the applications for flywheels, it will also help us develop key technical innovations that can reduce the cost of future commercial systems. Our primary focus continues to be the development of systems for power grid frequency regulation, based on our Smart Energy Matrix design. I believe that the work associated with this project holds significant promise for further commercial applications of our technology, both on the ground and in space."

"I congratulate Beacon Power and its employees in Wilmington on receiving this SBIR Phase II award and wish them success in executing this important contract," said U.S. Representative John F. Tierney (D-MA).

"The SBIR grant program has been utilized in this state and region as a means to advance technology, create job opportunities, and move specific important projects from the drawing board to production. It is an example of government/private partnership investments that help America maintain a competitive edge."

Under terms of the contract, Beacon will lead a 15-month technical effort involving researchers and scientists from Goodrich Space Flight Systems, Optical and Space Systems Division, Goodrich Corporation; Purdue University; and Texas A&M University.

Flywheel energy storage systems have the potential to be used in a variety of space-based applications, including providing power to low-earth-orbit satellites during the 30 minutes these satellites orbit in darkness and their solar panels cannot provide power.

Compared to electro-chemical (battery) alternatives, a flywheel-based system is expected to be more reliable, have a much longer life, be able to be charged and discharged constantly, and deliver higher performance even under extreme temperatures - all significant advantages for space applications.

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