World-First Space-Based Energy Grid Outlined by Star Catcher
Funding Secured for Ambitious Space-Based Energy Grid
Star Catcher Industries has secured US$12.25 million in seed funding for its ambitious plan to build the world’s first “space-based energy grid.” The idea is that a network of satellites would gather energy from the Sun and beam it at high concentrations to other satellites in orbit.
Collecting solar energy in space makes even more sense – energy is captured continuously, 24 hours a day, without being dependent on the weather or taking up valuable land. It is not surprising that efforts to capture sunlight from space and transmit it to Earth are increasing.
However, Star Catcher has a different approach. Instead of facing the challenge of sending the energy back to Earth, the startup intends to use this energy to power other satellites more efficiently.
The Star Catcher Network
The Star Catcher Network would consist of a series of Power Node satellites that capture ambient solar energy, concentrate it, and beam it to the solar panels of other satellites.
The company claims that each node can provide up to 150 kW of transmission capacity, being able to send energy to multiple satellites simultaneously. The organizations operating the receiving satellites simply provide the “orbital elements” to Star Catcher so they can track and supply them with power
Compatibility with Existing Satellites
The clients’ satellites would not need to be modified for this to work – Star Catcher claims that the concentrated solar energy they transmit is compatible with existing solar panels, allowing them to generate five to ten times more energy than they would directly from the Sun.
From a business perspective, Star Catcher and the client organizations would enter into a contract that specifies the amount of energy sent, the concentration (from 0.1 to 10 Suns), and the frequency needed. Clients can opt for a pay-as-you-go model, with Star Catcher claiming that this can halve their energy costs.
Currently, there are not many technical details on how exactly all this would work – for now, Star Catcher seems focused on obtaining funding. But the company plans to launch an in-orbit demonstration at the end of 2025, followed by a commercial service.
Rea the original article on: New Atlas
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