The advancement of our civilization is intrinsically linked to our capacity to produce ever-growing amounts of electricity. Is this truth mirrored in space?
Star Catcher Industries, a newly revealed startup, is speculating that this could indeed be the case. The company is working on a space-based energy grid that could facilitate power-demanding activities like edge computing and direct-to-cell communication in space.
Star Catcher’s satellites will harvest solar energy and transmit a portion of it to customers’ solar arrays, utilizing a radiation range that is more efficiently converted to electricity. This transmission can be adjusted, providing power to different spacecraft as needed. This flexibility would enable low-power satellites to perform more tasks if they can recharge their batteries on demand.
Founded by Andrew Rush and Michael Snyder, both experienced space entrepreneurs, along with investor Bryan Lyandvert earlier this year, Star Catcher was born from the observation of common spacecraft limitations and the increasing presence of satellites in low Earth orbit. Rush mentioned that while advancements have been made in size and weight due to more accessible launch vehicles, power remains a constraint.
Star Catcher envisions a future where spacecraft can use house-like amounts of power, offering subscriptions or on-demand power purchases. Additionally, a space-based power grid could aid spacecraft experiencing power issues.
The company also foresees how a power grid could revolutionize lunar missions, particularly in darker areas that pose challenges for solar-powered spacecraft. It could eliminate the issue of the extended lunar night, opening new possibilities for exploration and habitation.
The goal is to expand Star Catcher’s team and carry out ground demonstrations to prove their technology before launching a sub-scale demonstrator satellite in 2025. The company’s plans are backed by a $12.25 million seed round led by Initialized Capital and B Capital, with Rogue VC also participating.
Star Catcher envisions multiple satellites serving as “power nodes,” capable of supplying energy to several satellites simultaneously. Their aim is to eventually establish a constellation of 200 satellites to cover low Earth orbit completely.
