Star Catcher Industries closed a $65 million funding round to advance space-based power beaming, a technology that transmits electricity from orbiting solar collectors to satellites and ground stations via microwave or laser beams. The company plans to use the capital to conduct in-space validation tests that demonstrate the viability of wireless power transmission at operational scale.
Power beaming addresses a fundamental constraint in satellite operations. Traditional batteries and solar panels limit spacecraft endurance and functionality. By receiving power wirelessly from dedicated orbital power stations, satellites could operate continuously regardless of eclipse periods or orbital position. This capability transforms economics for communications constellations, Earth observation networks, and deep space missions.
Star Catcher's approach involves building modular power-generation and transmission systems that can be deployed to low Earth orbit. The microwave or laser beams transmit energy across distances measured in kilometers, with receiving antennas converting the broadcast power back into usable electrical current. Previous ground testing demonstrated efficiency levels sufficient for practical application.
The validation missions represent a critical inflection point. Orbital demonstrations must prove that power transmission functions reliably through the atmosphere and vacuum, handling thermal variations, vibration, and dust. Success unlocks new architectures for constellation operations. Customers could reduce satellite mass dedicated to batteries, freeing payload capacity. Orbital refueling depots could recharge spacecraft instead of requiring them to carry propellant.
Space-based power infrastructure also enables lunar and Mars operations. Landers and rovers operating on the night side of celestial bodies could receive beamed power from orbital relays, extending mission duration beyond battery constraints. Deep space probes could receive supplemental power during critical maneuvers.
The commercial space sector has accelerated interest in orbital infrastructure. Companies including Axiom Space and Orbital Reef develop space stations. SpaceX's Starlink pushes constellation scale toward 42,000 satellites. Power be