One of the issues with satellites is that their power can be limited ... whether by the size and weight of batteries or the efficiency of their solar panels. But what if you could "plug" your satellite into a power source like you were plugging it into a wall outlet in your home or business?
"In space, everything is a camping trip. You have to take everything with you, and if you didn't bring it with you, you're out of luck."
Andrew Rush, Star Catcher
That's the concept behind Star Catcher, a start-up company that is working to develop a power grid in space.
On this edition of The Ex Terra Podcast, Tom Patton talks with Andrew Rush, Co-founder, president and CEO of Star Catcher. The company is developing technology that will collect solar power in space and beam it to client satellites on a pay-as-you-go basis.
"In space, everything is a camping trip. You have to take everything with you, and if you didn't bring it with you, you're out of luck. And that is an impediment to the commercialization, industrialization and exploration of any arena, including space. And so that's why we're trying to build this power grid. To have infrastructure so that it's just as easy to build a business in space as it is on the ground."
The Star Catcher orbital infrastructure will transform how satellites are powered, the company says. Spacecraft connect to the network and receive energy via existing solar arrays, which means there is no retrofit required to utilize the service.
The company recently closed a $12.25 million seed round, which it will use to grow its staff and develop the necessary technology in hopes of flying a demonstration mission late in 2025.
A Power Grid in Space: The Ex Terra Podcast