Star Catcher readies orbital power-beaming prototype for launch

(SpaceEnergy) Star Catcher has shipped its Protostar power-node prototype for an October launch that will attempt optical power transmission between two free-flying spacecraft.

Protostar is scheduled to launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-18 mission. After commissioning, the spacecraft is intended to deploy and track a CubeSat before transmitting measurable optical power to its off-the-shelf solar panels.

The mission will test Star Catcher’s core orbital energy technology stack end-to-end, including energy harvesting, spacecraft acquisition and tracking, and energy transmission.

Star Catcher said a successful demonstration would mark the first optical power transfer between two untethered spacecraft. The company previously demonstrated its power-beaming technology on the ground and flew its Sextant Alpha spacecraft acquisition and tracking software in orbit in late 2025.

“This mission will yield critical operational data in real-world orbital conditions that will directly support the build out of our commercial power grid in space,” co-founder and chief technology officer Michael Snyder said.

Star Catcher said it has begun developing a follow-on satellite intended to transmit operational levels of orbital power. The company has announced 10 commercial power-purchase agreements and more than 40 letters of intent for its planned orbital power network.

The company has raised USD 88m in venture capital and received a USD 60m US Space Force Strategic Funding Increase award.