BY:SpaceEyeNews.
Space Power Grid Could Redefine Orbit
A Florida startup wants to build something never achieved before: a real electrical grid in space.
Star Catcher Industries recently raised $65 million in a major Series A funding round to support its ambitious orbital energy project. The investment increased the company’s total funding to $88 million and pushed the idea of wireless power in space closer to reality.
The company’s vision is bold but surprisingly practical. Instead of satellites depending entirely on their own solar panels and onboard batteries, future spacecraft could receive extra electricity directly from orbiting “power node” satellites using laser transmission technology.
If successful, this system could reshape how satellites operate around Earth. It may also support future Moon missions, orbital AI infrastructure, and long-duration space operations.
According to Star Catcher CEO Andrew Rush, the goal is to move space operations away from energy shortages and toward “power abundance” in orbit.
That idea is becoming increasingly important because satellites are consuming more electricity than ever before.
Why Satellites Need More Energy
Modern spacecraft are evolving rapidly.
Older satellites mainly handled communication and observation tasks. Today’s systems process enormous amounts of data, support direct-to-cell communication networks, run advanced onboard software, and operate increasingly sophisticated sensors.
All of that requires more power.
At the same time, satellites still face the same basic problem they have dealt with for decades: limited access to electricity.
Whenever a spacecraft passes into Earth’s shadow, its solar panels stop producing energy completely. During those periods, satellites must rely entirely on stored battery power.
That limitation affects performance, operational time, and system efficiency.
The Problem With Orbital Power Limits
Andrew Rush compared modern satellites to “camping trips in space,” constantly conserving energy instead of operating at full capability.
That comparison highlights a growing issue inside the expanding space economy.
Future projects such as orbital AI data centers, autonomous servicing spacecraft, and large communication constellations may require far more electricity than current systems can reliably provide.
Even small energy shortages can force satellites to reduce communication activity, limit onboard processing, or delay operational tasks.
Star Catcher believes future space infrastructure needs a different approach.
Instead of forcing every spacecraft to generate all of its own electricity, satellites could eventually receive supplemental energy from external orbital systems whenever needed.
That would fundamentally change how space operations function.
How Star Catcher’s Laser System Works
The company plans to deploy specialized satellites called “power nodes” into Earth orbit.
These spacecraft would continuously collect solar energy and convert it into concentrated laser beams. That energy would then transmit wirelessly to client satellites operating nearby.
Instead of electrical cables, the system uses focused optical power transmission.
Wireless Energy Between Spacecraft
One of the most important details is compatibility.
According to Star Catcher, receiving satellites would not need major redesigns because standard solar panels can already absorb incoming laser energy and convert it back into usable electricity.
That detail could dramatically accelerate adoption across the satellite industry.
If operators can use existing spacecraft designs, the transition becomes far more practical and cost-effective.
The company also says the technology could help satellites remain operational during eclipse periods when sunlight disappears temporarily behind Earth.
That alone could significantly improve orbital efficiency.
Extending Satellite Lifespans
Another important advantage involves aging spacecraft.
Over time, solar panels and batteries degrade in orbit due to constant radiation exposure and harsh environmental conditions.
Star Catcher believes its system could “trickle-charge” older satellites and help extend their operational lifespan.
The company also estimates some missions could achieve two to ten times more uptime depending on their energy requirements and mission profiles.
That level of improvement could reduce operational costs while increasing system reliability for future orbital networks.
Major Tests Already Happened
The company has already completed several major demonstrations on Earth.
In March 2025, Star Catcher successfully transmitted energy across the full 300-foot length of EverBank Stadium in Florida during a ground-based test.
That demonstration showed the company could transfer energy wirelessly over long distances using laser technology.
Later, another important test took place at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.
Breaking Previous Benchmarks
During that demonstration, Star Catcher reportedly transmitted 1.1 kilowatts of power to commercial off-the-shelf solar panels.
That result surpassed a previous wireless power transmission benchmark established earlier in 2025.
Although these tests occurred on Earth rather than in orbit, they provided strong evidence that the company’s technology is progressing beyond theoretical concepts.
The next step involves orbital testing.
According to Andrew Rush, Star Catcher is currently preparing hardware for its first in-space demonstration mission. The company plans to beam power directly to a free-flying satellite during that future experiment.
If successful, later missions would gradually increase transmission distance and power output.
Moon Missions Could Benefit Too
The technology may eventually support lunar exploration as well.
NASA’s Artemis program aims to establish long-term operations near the Moon’s south pole because scientists believe the region contains large deposits of water ice.
However, many of those valuable areas exist inside permanently shadowed craters where sunlight rarely reaches the surface.
That creates serious challenges for traditional solar-powered vehicles.
Powering Dark Lunar Regions
Star Catcher believes orbital energy transmission could eventually support vehicles exploring these darker regions.
Instead of depending entirely on onboard batteries, future lunar systems could receive remote energy support while operating inside shadowed terrain.
The company specifically mentioned Shackleton Crater as one example of the type of location future missions may access more effectively.
This capability could expand scientific exploration and improve future lunar infrastructure development.
Supporting Future Lunar Infrastructure
Reliable energy systems remain one of the biggest requirements for long-duration lunar operations.
While nuclear systems may still play an important role, Star Catcher sees its technology as complementary infrastructure capable of distributing power across wider operational areas.
That flexibility may become increasingly valuable as activity around the Moon continues expanding during the coming decade.
Why Investors Are Paying Attention
The recent funding round attracted several major investment groups, including B Capital, Shield Capital, and Cerberus Ventures.
Retired Space Force General Jay Raymond also joined the company’s board as part of the agreement.
Investors see growing demand for orbital infrastructure as commercial activity in space continues accelerating.
Historically, major economic expansion always depended on infrastructure development.
Cities needed electrical grids. Global communication depended on network systems. Transportation growth required roads, ports, and rail systems.
Space may now be entering a similar phase.
Star Catcher is attempting to build one of the foundational layers future orbital industries could eventually depend on.
The Future Of Orbital Infrastructure
The idea of transmitting electricity wirelessly through space once sounded unrealistic.
Today, improving technology and growing investment are pushing that concept much closer to reality.
Major engineering challenges still remain. Precision targeting, energy efficiency, and thermal management continue to be difficult technical problems.
Yet the company’s progress suggests orbital energy transmission may eventually become practical infrastructure rather than science fiction.
More importantly, this project reflects a much larger shift happening across the modern space industry.
Humanity is moving beyond temporary exploration missions and slowly building the systems required for permanent operations beyond Earth.
And if Star Catcher succeeds, one of the most important foundations of that future may not be rockets alone.
It may be electricity flowing silently across orbit through beams of light.
Main Sources:
Star Catcher Industries
https://www.starcatcherindustries.com/
NASA Artemis Program
https://www.nasa.gov/artemis/