Startup Star Catcher will launch a prototype solar power beaming system on a SpaceX rocket, attempting the first laser transmission of energy between two separate, untethered spacecraft in orbit this week. The Jacksonville-based company concentrates sunlight with lenses, converts it into specific light wavelengths, and then directs a laser toward satellites’ solar panels, potentially supplying more power than conventional diffuse sunlight alone can deliver. If the trial works, it could support future space-based data centers and other orbital industries by reducing reliance on heavy onboard batteries, increasing satellite uptime, and strengthening the business case for in-space energy infrastructure.
This update represents a notable development in the Board sector. Organizations and founders tracking this space should evaluate potential strategic and technical implications on their operations.