US-based Star Catcher Industries has raised $65m to bring the “first space-based energy grid” to orbit, with a demonstration mission planned for later in 2026.

Founded less than two years ago, Star Catcher is developing a space-based energy network designed to power satellites and other spacecraft in low-Earth orbit.

Its ‘Star Catcher Network’ uses optical power beaming technology or lasers to wirelessly transmit energy on demand. The system works by collecting and concentrating diffuse sunlight, converting it into wavelengths optimised for standard satellite solar panels, and beaming it precisely to spacecraft.

The company says that this technology is compatible across existing satellite systems, allowing satellites to generate between 10 times the amount of power they would generate otherwise, even without retrofitting. This will allow satellite operators to expand the capabilities and uptime of their projects.

The demand for power-intensive applications in space has been growing rapidly in recent years. This need for energy includes space-based telecommunications, on-orbit computing, remote sensing, human spaceflight and national security applications. 

Following a successful $12.25m initial funding round in 2024, the firm has secured an additional $65m in a Series A round. In total, it has raised $88m to date.

Andrew Rush, co-founder and CEO of Star Catcher, said: “This investment underscores the conviction that orbital infrastructure is now as fundamental as terrestrial infrastructure.

“Every major application driving the space economy – connectivity, computing, security, sensing – is power-limited today. Star Catcher is lifting that ceiling, making it possible to build in orbit at the scale the next century of life on Earth will demand.” 

The firm said it will use the funding to help it launch the first-ever space-based optical power beaming demonstration later this year. 

To date, it has already entered into multiple partnerships, including with US government stakeholders, and this new investment will enable it to expand its commercial client base as well as engage with US national security customers.

General Raymond, senior managing director at Cerberus Ventures, which co-led this latest funding round, said: “Energy and infrastructure resilience are core national and economic priorities on Earth, as in orbit. Persistent surveillance, resilient communications and unhindered manoeuvrability are all constrained today by power. An on-demand power grid can change that, expanding critical capabilities across commercial and national security missions.”