The U.S. Department of the Air Force has an increasing demand for enhanced satellite power capabilities to support real-time operations and counter threats from strategic adversaries like China and Russia. This SBIR Phase 1 effort will focus on validating and improving Star Catcher's proprietary space-to-space power beaming technologies to bolster military preparedness.
Star Catcher is developing the Star Catcher Network, the first-ever space energy grid designed to overcome existing power limitations in space. This network will transmit high-intensity, broad-spectrum energy to spacecraft in LEO and beyond. By delivering concentrated energy directly to the solar arrays of operational satellites, the technology enables a five- to tenfold increase in power generation without requiring modifications to existing systems. This power boost will facilitate more advanced payload operations, extend mission duration, enable real-time data processing, and support complex mission execution, all while minimizing the need for larger satellite structures and extensive solar arrays.
"This contract is a pivotal milestone in our efforts to establish a space energy grid," said Andrew Rush, CEO of Star Catcher. "Space-to-space power beaming is a transformative capability that will redefine how spacecraft access energy, significantly improving both defense and commercial space operations."
The Air Force Research Laboratory and AFWERX are collaborating to enhance the SBIR and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs by expediting the proposal-to-award timeline, expanding access for small businesses, and streamlining contract execution processes to reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies.
The views expressed in this announcement are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official policies of the Department of the Air Force, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. government.