A Florida startup just raised $65 million to beam concentrated sunlight at satellites, and the customer list shows how fast orbital power is becoming a real market
spacedaily.com
Star Catcher Industries has raised $65 million to build what it calls the first power grid in space. The more important detail is not only the size of the round. It is the customer list forming before the company has completed its first dedicated in-space power-beaming demonstration. The Jacksonville, Florida-based startup says its Series A […]

…Star Catcher says its customer base spans commercial space operators and U.S. Government stakeholders…

…If Star Catcher can prove the system works in orbit, satellite operators may no longer have to treat the power budget they launched with as the ceiling on what a spacecraft can do…

…its first space-based optical power-beaming demonstration is planned for later this year…

…In its announcement, Star Catcher said its Series A would fund deeper engagement with U.S. national security customers…

…“Persistent surveillance, resilient communications, and unhindered maneuverability are all constrained today by power,”…

…Beam pointing has to be precise across long distances. Beam intensity must be controlled so the system does not damage the solar arrays it is meant to help…