Star Catcher's Protostar to Test Laser Power Beaming Between Satellites

Florida startup Star Catcher is preparing to launch its Protostar prototype on SpaceX's Transporter-18 mission no earlier than Thursday. The satellite will attempt to beam power to another spacecraft in orbit, which would be the first laser energy transfer between two untethered satellites. Ground tests already delivered over 1.1 kW to solar panels.

• Protostar launches on SpaceX Transporter-18 no earlier than Thursday
• Goal is first laser power transfer between two satellites in orbit
• Ground tests at Kennedy Space Center delivered over 1.1 kW
• Star Catcher aims for an orbital power grid by decade's end