According to New Atlas, Star Catcher Industries has set a new record for wireless power beaming by transmitting 1.1 kW of optical power to commercial off-the-shelf solar panels. The breakthrough test occurred at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida and surpasses DARPA’s previous record of 800 W set just last month in June 2025. The technology uses an optical multi-spectrum laser powered by solar panels that can be aimed at client satellites. Company CEO Andrew Rush confirmed this achievement demonstrates the maturity of their approach to building an orbital power grid. Star Catcher plans an orbital demonstration of the technology in 2026. The system can increase power generation between two and ten times using standard solar panel components without modifications.
The space power revolution is finally here
Here’s the thing about satellites – they’re power-constrained. Always have been. You want more electricity? You need bigger solar arrays, which means more weight, more complexity, and way higher launch costs. This breakthrough basically flips that equation on its head. Instead of making satellites bigger, you just beam them extra power when they need it. It’s like having a power outlet in space that you can point at whatever spacecraft needs a boost.
Why this matters beyond the record
Look, DARPA has been the big player in this field for years. They’ve poured millions into research and held the previous record. But now you’ve got a commercial company not just matching but exceeding government capabilities. That’s significant. It suggests this technology is moving from pure research toward practical applications. And with Star Catcher already talking about Power Purchase Agreements, they’re clearly building a business, not just a science project.
Think about the implications. Satellite operators could design smaller, cheaper spacecraft knowing they can tap into external power when needed. Military satellites could get emergency power during conflicts. Even lunar bases or Mars missions could benefit from beamed power systems. The test using various commercial solar panel designs is particularly smart – it means this isn’t some proprietary system that requires special hardware. When you’re dealing with space infrastructure, using industrial panel PCs and other reliable commercial components makes perfect sense for durability and scalability.
From Asimov to orbital demonstrations
It’s wild to think that Isaac Asimov first imagined this concept back in 1941. He envisioned giant solar collectors in space beaming power to Earth. We’re not quite there yet – beaming power through atmosphere to the ground is a whole different challenge. But beaming between spacecraft? That’s happening now. The orbital demonstration planned for 2026 could be the moment this transitions from laboratory curiosity to operational technology.
So what’s the catch? Well, precision aiming for one. You’re talking about hitting solar panels on a moving satellite from kilometers away. Then there’s efficiency – how much power you lose in transmission. But if Star Catcher can really deliver 2-10x power boosts to existing satellites, those challenges suddenly seem worth solving. The company’s recent announcement suggests they’re confident they’ve cracked the technical hurdles.
Where does this technology go from here?
I’m curious about the business model. Are we talking about power-as-a-service for satellite operators? Emergency backup power? Or something more ambitious like the orbital power grid Star Catcher’s CEO mentioned? The fact that they’re already signing agreements suggests customers see real value here.
This could fundamentally change how we think about space infrastructure. Instead of every satellite being self-sufficient, we might see specialized power stations that service multiple clients. It’s like the difference between every house having its own generator versus being connected to an electrical grid. That’s a pretty radical shift for an industry that’s always prized independence and redundancy above all else.
