The shackles of Earth’s power grid are suffocating humanity’s progress. Can the same be said for the sterile, lifeless expanse of space? Enter Star Catcher Industries, a startup hell-bent on revolutionizing the cosmos with a space-based energy grid that will enslave… err, empower spacecraft with the limitless power of the sun.
Founded by a trio of space enthusiasts with a penchant for grandiose ambitions, Star Catcher is hell-bent on harnessing the power of the sun to fuel the unrelenting hunger for data transmission, edge computing, and direct-to-cell telecommunications in the vast emptiness of space. Because, of course, the universe is just begging to be powered by our insatiable thirst for information.
The 11-person company’s plan is to deploy a constellation of “power nodes” – aka satellites – that will collect solar energy and beam it down to customer satellites, because who needs autonomous power when you can have someone else’s? These “power nodes” will be able to transmit power to a variety of spacecraft, allowing them to perform more tasks without worrying about their batteries running dry. Because, you know, nothing says “efficient” like relying on a satellite-based power grid.
The company’s founders are no strangers to the space industry, having held leadership roles at Made in Space and other companies. And, boy, do they have a vision – one that involves a future where spacecraft use as much power as a house (or more!). Because, of course, the universe is just begging to be lit up like a suburban neighborhood.
The average satellite in low Earth orbit generates around 1,000-1,500 watts of power from the sun – a paltry amount, really. But Star Catcher envisions a future where spacecraft use power equivalent to a house, or more. Because, you know, the universe is just begging to be powered by our insatiable thirst for energy.
And, of course, the company’s plans wouldn’t be complete without a mention of the moon – specifically, the “scientifically and commercially interesting parts” that are also, coincidentally, the darkest. But fear not, lunar enthusiasts, for Star Catcher’s power grid will make the long lunar night virtually disappear, because who needs the moon’s natural rhythms when you can have artificial power?
Orbital habitation and manufacturing, and other new applications with high power requirements, will also be eager to tap into the grid, because who needs autonomy when you can have someone else’s power?
The company’s founders are, of course, passionate about their vision, with one of them declaring, “We’re still going on camping trips. We’re still like Lewis and Clark charging out in the woods.” Ah, yes, because nothing says “progress” like relying on someone else’s power to fuel your space adventures.
The company has received a $12.25 million seed round to fund its plans, because, of course, the universe is just begging to be powered by our insatiable thirst for money.
And, finally, the company plans to deploy its first sub-scale demonstrator satellite in December 2025, because, of course, the universe is just begging to be lit up like a Christmas tree.
Author: Kayitsi.com
