Star Catcher Industries

Technology

Each small satellite, called a power node, measures between 15 and 20 meters on each side and orbits at an altitude of approximately 1,500 kilometers. A single node can beam between 100 watts and 100 kilowatts of broad-spectrum energy directly to a client satellite’s existing solar arrays, requiring no retrofit. The beam is designed to deliver flux in the frequency range most compatible with triple-junction solar cells, maximizing efficiency and minimizing heat load on the receiver.

Each power node can simultaneously service up to 40 satellites within an operational radius of 2,000 kilometers. This range allows for power transmission to altitudes from 150 kilometers to 1,500 kilometers, covering the majority of LEO satellites.

To ensure universal compatibility, the power nodes can track receiving satellites using orbital elements provided by the client, without requiring beacons or other specialized, retrofit equipment. To avoid unintentionally beaming power to other satellites, Star Catcher plans to conduct conjunction analyses to confirm a clear path between the power node and the receiver. This also helps prevent potential collisions with debris.

Like a terrestrial power grid, Star Catcher’s orbital network includes redundancies to ensure reliable and consistent power delivery. In addition to power nodes, the company will launch a smaller number of relay satellites at higher altitudes. These satellites will remain in view of the sun even during eclipse for satellites in LEO orbits, collecting power and transmitting it to the power nodes to maintain service to clients.

Timeline

In March 2025, Star Catcher performed a highly successful ground demonstration, beaming 100 watts over 100 meters using off-the-shelf solar panels. In October 2025, this was followed by a second demonstration, transmitting over 1.1 kilowatts. The first in-orbit test, planned for late 2026, will involve beaming power to a commercial satellite. About 12 months later, the company plans to launch a commercially viable proto-power node, called “DemoSat-2,” capable of transmitting power in the single-digit kilowatt range. Following the success of this demonstration, Star Catcher will begin launching the first set of commercial power nodes, each capable of transmitting around 100 kilowatts. This phased development reflects the company’s “crawl, walk, run” philosophy, allowing for iterative expansion of its satellite network while maintaining a steady stream of revenue. 

Star Catcher has already begun to integrate its services into the market. As of April 2025, they are partnering with Mission Space, a company that monitors space weather, to provide additional power to its satellites and receive space weather data. In May, they began a partnership with Satlyt, a company aiming to provide data processing in orbit. In June, they announced a partnership with Starcloud, which plans to provide in-orbit data centers. In September, they announced the signing of a power purchase agreement with experienced satellite owner-operator Astro Digital.

Applications

To date, Star Catcher has secured over 30 letters of intent from potential customers, suggesting strong interest in their services once they are commercially operational. These customers are primarily focused on energy-intensive applications, though some are interested in exploring new possibilities enabled by additional power. This power could augment existing capabilities, extend the lifetimes of satellites with degraded power systems, or enable entirely new segments of the space economy, such as orbiting data centers. Transitioning in-space power to a pay-as-you-go utility model also helps reduce upfront costs and risks for emerging operators. 

Costs and Funding

In addition to receiving an SBIR grant from AFWERX, Star Catcher has secured broad investor support. In July 2024, the company raised $12.25 million in a highly successful seed round co-led by Initialized Capital and B Capital, with participation from Rogue VC. Following the successful deployment of the first stage of commercially viable satellites, the revenue generated will be used to fund further deployment. 

Policy

Star Catcher advocates for strengthening the SBIR, Tipping Point, and StratFI programs, which provide critical resources for advancing technologies from lower Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs). The company also supports enabling combatant commanders and the Department of Defense to experiment with and adopt new types of services, particularly utility-style power purchasing.