#USA #Jacksonville, Florida #Star Catcher #Power Beaming #Orbital Energy

Star Catcher Industries Sets New Record in Space Power Beaming

In a groundbreaking achievement for the space energy sector, Star Catcher Industries, Inc. has announced a significant milestone by successfully transmitting wireless optical power that surpasses previous records held by the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). This advancement marks a crucial step in the development of an orbital power grid that could revolutionize how power is delivered to satellites in space.

A New Era for Space Energy

Located in Jacksonville, Florida, Star Catcher has emerged as a pioneer in crafting an innovative space energy infrastructure known as the Star Catcher Network. Recently, the company accomplished impressive optical power beaming tests at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, validating the core technologies necessary for their orbital energy grid. Using advanced multi-wavelength lasers, Star Catcher successfully delivered an unprecedented 1.1 kilowatts of electrical power to commercially available solar panels, easily surpassing the previous record of 800 watts set by DARPA earlier this year.

This milestone is not just about breaking records; it signifies a transformative capability for satellites, allowing them to generate up to ten times more power than traditional methods without requiring extensive modifications to their existing solar panel setups. This feat was achieved in less than eight months since the company's pioneering power beaming technology was first introduced.

A Promising Future with Client Engagement

The enthusiasm surrounding Star Catcher’s technology is bolstered by the signing of six Power Purchase Agreements, valued at millions of dollars in recurring revenue. These agreements position Star Catcher as a frontrunner in key markets, including orbital data infrastructure, remote sensing, and satellite platforms.

Andrew Rush, CEO and Co-Founder of Star Catcher, expressed satisfaction with the validation received from these agreements, stating, "Our existing Power Purchase Agreements confirm that the market understands both the value and scalability of our technology to revolutionize power delivery beyond Earth."

Addressing Power Constraints in Space

Power limitations currently hinder the full potential of space missions, affecting operations related to direct-to-cell connectivity, AI-led Earth observation, and defense maneuvers. The optical power beaming technology fundamentally addresses this issue, enabling satellites to harness solar energy collected and concentrated in orbit, streamlining the energy transmission process directly to client spacecraft.

During recent demonstrations, the Star Catcher team successfully transmitted power to various solar panel types, confirming compatibility with standard spacecraft hardware. The demonstrations included energy transfer to Intuitive Machines’ Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV), highlighting the technology’s potential to maintain operational capabilities during lunar nights and across shadowed regions, which have historically posed challenges for lunar missions.

Looking Forward to Future Launches

Set to conduct its first on-orbit power beaming demonstration in 2026, Star Catcher is anticipated to pave the way for a new operational framework within space missions. Howard Morgan, Chair and General Partner at B Capital, remarked, "Space has waited decades for its energy revolution. Star Catcher just delivered it."

This trailblazing initiative not only enhances power supply for current missions but also opens opportunities for more complex operations, promoting advancements in space exploration technologies. The vision of a sustainable and efficient orbital power grid is edging closer to reality, thanks to the relentless innovations from Star Catcher Industries.

About Star Catcher Industries

Star Catcher, founded in 2024 by experienced space entrepreneurs and venture capitalists, aims to establish a robust space energy grid with the Star Catcher Network, seeking to eliminate power constraints for satellites and spacecraft. By delivering concentrated solar energy without the need for retrofitting, this initiative positions Star Catcher at the forefront of technological advancements in the aerospace and energy sectors.