The power grid of Star Catcher Industries consists of a network of satellites operating at an altitude of about 1,500 km, harnessing solar energy and transmitting it to customer satellites.
Star Catcher Industries, a Florida-based startup, has raised $12.25 million in funding to develop a satellite power transmission network in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), according to Space on July 25. The first satellite could be launched as early as next year.
Simulation of part of the satellite power transmission network serving multiple customer satellites. (Image: Star Catcher Industries).
Star Catcher Industries plans to provide power to satellites in orbit rather than customers on the ground. This is a rapidly growing market, with large satellite systems like SpaceX’s Starlink. According to Star Catcher Industries, LEO is expected to have around 50,000 active spacecraft by 2030, approximately five times the current number.
The company intends to construct a new satellite network at an altitude of approximately 1,500 km. The satellites will capture solar energy and transmit it to customer satellites within a radiation range that can be efficiently converted into electricity. The energy beam can be adjusted to suit various types of spacecraft. The new grid will provide these vehicles with 5 to 10 times more power than they generate themselves.
“Electric infrastructure is the foundation for building civilization and industry. We aim to extend that foundation to LEO and beyond with our services and space power grid. Being able to purchase electricity for spacecraft anywhere and at any time in LEO will expand opportunities and help humanity realize a second golden age of space,” said Andrew Rush, co-founder and CEO of Star Catcher Industries.
The newly raised funds will be used to validate the company’s power transmission technology, starting with ground tests, followed by orbital testing by the end of 2025, and commercial service deployment.
Space power grids have numerous potential applications. A low-cost, low-power satellite can do much more if its batteries can be recharged when needed. Vehicles experiencing issues with electrical systems or solar batteries can also receive assistance. Moreover, the power grid will be beneficial for lunar missions, addressing energy shortages in areas that do not receive sunlight. Activities such as living, production, or other operations in orbit that require substantial electricity will also benefit from the new grid.
