#USA #Jacksonville #Star Catcher #Space Florida #energy grid

Star Catcher and Space Florida Team Up to Launch the First Space Energy Grid

On March 6, 2025, Star Catcher Industries, Inc. announced an exciting partnership with Space Florida, aimed at advancing a groundbreaking initiative: the world’s first space energy grid. This partnership was unveiled during an announcement in Jacksonville, Florida. As pioneers in the field, Star Catcher focuses on space-to-space power beaming technology, which is anticipated to revolutionize energy generation and consumption for spacecraft operations.

As part of this collaboration, Star Catcher plans to conduct a large-scale demonstration of its power beaming technology this summer at Space Florida’s historic Launch and Landing Facility (LLF). This site has played an integral role in aerospace history, previously serving as a landing zone for Space Shuttle missions until 2011. The planned demonstration is a landmark event that is expected to showcase the company’s innovative approach to energy delivery in the cosmos.

The core objective of the Star Catcher Network is to eliminate the energy constraints faced by spacecraft today. Once operational, this network will be able to deliver substantial energy to satellites and other space vehicles in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and beyond. The technology aims to allow satellites to receive energy at concentrations significantly exceeding that of natural solar radiation. Consequently, this means the capacity for satellites to generate up to ten times more power is within reach, without the need for any physical alterations to their existing solar arrays.

Star Catcher will leverage the impressive 5-kilometer unobstructed visibility of the LLF to conduct energy beaming tests. The upcoming demonstration is set to involve transmitting hundreds of watts of energy to multiple simulated satellites positioned over a distance exceeding one kilometer. This is a vital step toward proving the scalability and functionality of the planned space energy grid.

Andrew Rush, Co-Founder, President, and CEO of Star Catcher, remarked on the significance of this partnership by stating, "Partnering with Space Florida allows us to accelerate the development and validation of our power beaming technology in an environment familiar with pioneering new technologies for space." He emphasized that this demonstration is crucial for showcasing their vision of a transformative space energy grid, designed to fundamentally alter the methods used to power spacecraft.

Echoing this sentiment, Rob Long, President and CEO of Space Florida, articulated that the partnership embodies Space Florida's mission to support innovative technologies and invest in the necessary infrastructure to keep Florida at the forefront of the aerospace landscape. Long highlighted the Launch and Landing Facility as an optimal setting for such groundbreaking work, expressing enthusiasm for supporting the advancement of innovative power beaming technology.

In addition, the agreement also highlights an investment made by Space Florida in Star Catcher, marking the state's commitment to nurturing innovation and bolstering the space economy within Florida. This funding reflects Florida’s broader strategy to enhance its competitive edge in the global space sector.

This announcement comes on the heels of Star Catcher closing a significant $12.25 million seed round in July 2024. This funding round, co-led by venture firms Initialized Capital and B Capital along with substantial contributions from Rogue VC, has enabled Star Catcher to accelerate its vision and enhance development methodologies, setting a solid foundation for creating a functional space energy grid free from the traditional limitations of energy generation.

Star Catcher Industries is on the forefront of creating the first space energy grid through the Star Catcher Network, a pioneering initiative designed to alleviate energy constraints faced by various spacecraft. This revolutionary power beaming infrastructure will facilitate the delivery of high-concentration solar energy to existing solar panels, eliminating the need for costly upgrades while simultaneously enabling satellites to manage energy-intensive payloads, perform expanded operations, and tackle more complex tasks.

Founded in 2024 by Andrew Rush and Michael Snyder, alongside venture capital expert Bryan Lyandvert, Star Catcher seeks to transform the landscape of space operations with substantial innovations in energy solutions. As the company develops, it is expected to continuously reshape expectations in the satellite sector and beyond.

Space Florida, serving as the independent aerospace finance and development authority for the state, provides crucial support, leveraging its unique location and expertise to foster business expansion and growth within the aerospace industry. With its commitment to advancing aerospace technologies, Space Florida stands as an essential partner for companies aspiring to make significant strides in their research and development goals.

In conclusion, the partnership between Star Catcher and Space Florida represents a major leap forward in the pursuit of advanced space energy technology, setting the stage for transformative developments that could significantly enhance the efficiency and capabilities of future spacecraft operations.