Star Catcher to Run First Real Test of Space-Based Laser Power Beaming

Jacksonville startup Star Catcher is launching its Protostar prototype on a SpaceX rocket to beam laser energy to a separate cubesat in orbit. A success would mark the first laser power transfer between two untethered objects in space. The company has raised $65 million and won a $30 million US Space Force award.

• Protostar will beam power to a separate cubesat launched on the same rocket
• Star Catcher previously delivered over 1 kW to off-the-shelf solar panels on the ground
• The company has 40 letters of intent and 10 power purchase agreements
• Google's first space data center prototype is flying on the same SpaceX mission