Laser Focus World is an industry bedrock—first published in 1965 and still going strong. We publish original articles about cutting-edge advances in lasers, optics, photonics, sensors, and quantum technologies, as well as test and measurement, and the shift currently underway to usher in the photonic integrated circuits, optical interconnects, and copackaged electronics and photonics to deliver the speed and efficiency essential for data centers of the future.

Our 80,000 qualified print subscribers—and 130,000 12-month engaged online audience—trust us to dive in and provide original journalism you won’t find elsewhere covering key emerging areas such as laser-driven inertial confinement fusion, lasers in space, integrated photonics, chipscale lasers, LiDAR, metasurfaces, high-energy laser weaponry, photonic crystals, and quantum computing/sensors/communications. We cover the innovations driving these markets.

Laser Focus World is part of Endeavor Business Media, a division of EndeavorB2B.

Laser Focus World Membership

Never miss any articles, videos, podcasts, or webinars by signing up for membership access to Laser Focus World online. You can manage your preferences all in one place—and provide our editorial team with your valued feedback.

Magazine Subscription

Can you subscribe to receive our print issue for free? Yes, you sure can!

Newsletter Subscription

Laser Focus World newsletter subscription is free to qualified professionals:

The Daily Beam

Showcases the newest content from Laser Focus World, including photonics- and optics-based applications, components, research, and trends. (Daily)

Product Watch

The latest in products within the photonics industry. (9x per year)

Bio & Life Sciences Product Watch

The latest in products within the biophotonics industry. (4x per year)

Laser Processing Product Watch

The latest in products within the laser processing industry. (3x per year)

Get Published!

If you’d like to write an article for us, reach out with a short pitch to Sally Cole Johnson: [email protected]. We love to hear from you.

Photonics Hot List

Laser Focus World produces a video newscast that gives a peek into what’s happening in the world of photonics.

Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast

Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast dives deep into the fascinating world of photonics. Our weekly episodes feature interviews and discussions with industry and research experts, providing valuable perspectives on the issues, technologies, and trends shaping the photonics community.

Editorial Advisory Board

  • Professor Andrea M. Armani, University of Southern California
  • Ruti Ben-Shlomi, Ph.D., LightSolver
  • James Butler, Ph.D., Hamamatsu
  • Natalie Fardian-Melamed, Ph.D., Columbia University
  • Justin Sigley, Ph.D., AmeriCOM
  • Professor Birgit Stiller, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, and Leibniz University of Hannover
  • Professor Stephen Sweeney, University of Glasgow
  • Mohan Wang, Ph.D., University of Oxford
  • Professor Xuchen Wang, Harbin Engineering University
  • Professor Stefan Witte, Delft University of Technology

SpaceWERX selects New Frontier Aerospace to Develop Bifröst Orbit Transfer Spacecraft

By: PRLog
KENT, Wash. - July 28, 2025 - PRLog -- New Frontier Aerospace (NFA), a leading innovator in advanced propulsion, hypersonics and orbital transfer technologies, today announced it has been selected for a Direct to Phase II Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Tactical High Orbit Fast Transfer (THOFT) award by SpaceWERX. This award will enable NFA to further develop its revolutionary Bifröst Orbit Transfer Spacecraft (OTS), specifically designed to meet the demanding requirements of the THOFT mission.

This SBIR, a collaborative effort between SpaceWERX, the Air Force Research Laboratory Rocket Lab, Space Systems Command Assured Access to Space, and US Space Command, seeks to significantly reduce response times in and beyond Low Earth Orbit. This rapid acquisition initiative aims to utilize commercial and government mission partners to quickly respond to threats or augment existing capabilities during conflict or crisis. The goal is to enhance U.S. and allied resilience in space by shrinking response times from months or years to days or hours.

NFA's Bifröst spacecraft is a groundbreaking solution that will enable tactically relevant, resilient, and responsive operations at high energy orbital locations. Bifröst utilizes NFA's high-thrust, high-efficiency LOX/LNG Mjölnir (myawl-nir) engine, a revolutionary propulsion system that provides the power required for rapid orbit changes. This advanced technology will be a vital part of the THOFT mission to achieve rapid and reliable access to critical high-energy orbits.

"We are thrilled to receive this award from the U.S. Space Force through SpaceWERX," said Bill Bruner, CEO of New Frontier Aerospace. "This funding represents a critical step forward in the development of a near flight ready Bifröst Prototype OTS and its potential to revolutionize dynamic space maneuver operations. The Mjölnir engine and its integration into the Bifröst OTS  aligns perfectly with our mission to provide innovative, high-performance solutions to meet the Space Force's evolving national security needs."

About New Frontier Aerospace

New Frontier Aerospace (NFA) is a pioneering space technology company dedicated to developing advanced propulsion systems, hypersonic aircraft and orbit transfer solutions. NFA is focused on creating innovative, high-performance technologies that enable rapid and reliable access to space, meeting the evolving demands of both commercial and government applications. For more information, visit https://www.nfaero.com

About SpaceWERX

As the Innovation arm of the U.S. Space Force and a unique division within AFWERX, SpaceWERX inspires and empowers collaboration with innovators to accelerate capabilities and shape our future in space. Headquartered in Los Angeles, SpaceWERX employs 40 military, civilian and contractor personnel executing an annual $457 million budget. Since it was aligned under AFRL in August 2021, SpaceWERX has executed 1106 contracts worth more than $897 million to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base and drive faster technology transition to operational capability. For more information, visit: https://spacewerx.us.

Contact
Jim Bono
***@nfaero.com

Photos: (Click photo to enlarge)

New Frontier Aerospace Logo Test of Bifröst spacecraft engine


Source: New Frontier Aerospace

Read Full Story - SpaceWERX selects New Frontier Aerospace to Develop Bifröst Orbit Transfer Spacecraft | More news from this source

Press release distribution by PRLog
Stock Quote API & Stock News API supplied by www.cloudquote.io
Quotes delayed at least 20 minutes.
By accessing this page, you agree to the following
Privacy Policy and Terms Of Service.