Space Grid: An Amazing Plan Is Coming to Life

A Florida startup is designing a space-based power grid. star catcher industriesin aims to build the first satellite constellation to transmit power wirelessly to satellites operating in low Earth orbit.

The incredible-sounding plan raised $12.25 million in the company’s latest funding round, and according to the company, the first satellites could be launched as early as next year.

Subscribe to Talouselämä’s free newsletter here

Nikola Tesla The first to study the possibility of wireless power transmission in the early 20th century, but the idea did not progress to a commercial level.

In recent years, wireless power transmission has once again become a topic of discussion. Several space agencies, universities and companies have investigatedwhether solar energy generated in space can be transmitted to the Earth’s surface via microwaves or laser beams.

For example, Caltech, a top American university, set a record by launching a prototype power plant into orbit. The experiment was successful, and the electricity generated in space was transferred to a receiver located on Earth. Of course, the amount was very small.

The Florida company does not intend to beam electricity into the country. Instead, the plans are to provide additional power for satellites.

The transmission network will consist of satellites with transmission capabilities that will focus energy transmission over a wide range of wavelengths, allowing customer satellites to generate more energy for their own use using solar panels, the company said in a news release.

According to the company, the production of customer satellites will increase five to ten times. At the same time, it will also extend the service life of satellites and save launch costs.

The transfer satellite will also operate in a low Earth orbit at an altitude of about 1,500 kilometers.

The funds raised by the company will be used for the first phase of testing, which will still be conducted in the field. After the testing is completed, the company plans to launch the first demonstration satellite into orbit.