Star Catcher Industries, a startup in the space industry, is developing a space-based energy grid that has the potential to revolutionize power generation and consumption in space. The company aims to collect solar energy with its satellites and transmit it to customers’ solar arrays, allowing for more power-intensive activities in space such as edge computing and direct-to-cell telecommunications.
The idea behind Star Catcher’s space-based energy grid is to address the common constraints on spacecraft, known as SWaP (size, weight, and power). While advancements have been made in reducing the size and weight of satellites, power has remained a constraint. Currently, the average satellite in low Earth orbit generates around 1,000-1,500 watts from the sun, which is equivalent to the power consumption of a refrigerator. Star Catcher envisions a future where spacecraft can use similar power to a house or more.
One of the potential benefits of a space-based power grid is its application in lunar missions. The darkest parts of the moon, which are scientifically and commercially interesting, pose a challenge for solar-powered spacecraft. However, a power grid could eliminate the problem of the long lunar night, making these areas more accessible for exploration and commercial activities.
In addition to lunar missions, other applications with high power requirements, such as orbital habitation and manufacturing, could also benefit from tapping into the space-based energy grid. By providing a reliable and scalable power source, the grid could enable the development of infrastructure in space, similar to the fundamental infrastructure of power generation on Earth.
Star Catcher aims to expand its team and carry out ground demonstrations to showcase its technology’s capabilities. The company plans to send a sub-scale demonstrator satellite in December 2025 to validate its plans in orbit with a client satellite. These plans are backed by a $12.25 million seed round led by Initialized Capital and B Capital, with participation from Rogue VC.
The ultimate goal for Star Catcher is to build out a constellation of 200 satellites, providing full coverage to low Earth orbit. This would enable the company to offer power services to a wide range of customers and further advance the development of space-based power generation.
As our civilization continues to grow, the ability to generate sufficient electricity becomes increasingly critical. Star Catcher’s space-based energy grid has the potential to unlock new possibilities in space exploration, commercial activities, and infrastructure development. By overcoming the constraints of power in space, the company aims to pave the way for a future where power generation in space is as essential as it is on Earth.