Star Catcher Prepares First Orbital Laser Power Transfer Test

Key points

• Star Catcher’s Protostar satellite will launch on a SpaceX rocket this week to test laser-based energy transmission in orbit.
• The test involves beaming concentrated solar energy from Protostar to a separate CubeSat, marking the first such transfer between untethered objects in space.
• The technology uses lenses to concentrate sunlight and convert it into laser wavelengths, claiming up to 10 times more power than diffuse sunlight.
• Star Catcher has secured $88 million in venture capital and a $30 million award from the US Space Force, along with 10 power purchase agreements.
• Google’s first space-based data center attempt is also launching on the same SpaceX mission, highlighting growing interest in orbital infrastructure.

Background

The concept of space-based solar power dates back to the 1970s, but high launch costs previously made it impractical. Recent declines in launch costs and the rise of space-based data centers have renewed interest. Earlier experiments, such as a 2023 Naval Research Laboratory test, used lasers for power but were limited to short distances and low efficiency. Star Catcher’s approach aims to overcome these limitations by targeting specific satellites rather than requiring large ground receivers.

How outlets are covering it

WIRED emphasizes the commercial potential and the broader trend of space-based data centers, noting that Star Catcher’s technology could reduce battery sizes and increase satellite uptime. Via Satellite focuses on the technical milestone of the Protostar mission, highlighting the company’s funding, contracts, and the strategic importance of orbital power for national security and AI computing. Both sources agree on the significance of the test but differ in emphasis: WIRED frames it as part of a larger industry shift, while Via Satellite details the specific mission parameters and commercial backing.

Why it matters

Successful orbital power beaming could enable a new era of space operations by providing reliable energy to satellites and data centers without relying on limited battery storage. This could reduce launch costs and increase the functionality of orbital infrastructure, potentially transforming the space economy.

What to watch

Star Catcher plans to deploy larger satellites to provide commercial power services in orbit by the end of the decade. The company will monitor the power received by the CubeSat during the test to validate its models and refine its tracking technology. Further development will focus on improving efficiency, managing heat, and ensuring long-term operation in the vacuum of space.