A diode pumped, Q-switched Nd:YAG zigzag slab laser is developed using passive conduction cooling. Flat-flat and unstable resonators are adopted in this experiment. The 150-mJ multi-mode and 100-mJ single-mode laser outputs with pulse width of 10 ns are achieved, corresponding to optical efficiencies of 19% and 13%, respectively. The experimental result demonstrates that the laser has the property of compact structure, high efficiency, reliability, and high beam quality. The design of laser has a potential application in space environment.