Star Catcher Industries, a space-based power company founded less than two years ago, just raised $65 million in Series A funding to build the first power grid in orbit, delivering electricity on demand to satellites using optical power beaming technology. The round, led by B Capital and co-led by Shield Capital and Cerberus Ventures, brings the company's total capital raised to $88 million and marks a significant milestone in how venture investors are thinking about infrastructure for the next generation of computing.

What Problem Is Star Catcher Actually Solving?

Every satellite and spacecraft in orbit faces the same constraint: limited power. Solar panels can only generate so much electricity, and batteries add weight and complexity. Star Catcher's solution is to beam concentrated solar energy from space directly to satellites that need it, without requiring any special receiver hardware or modifications to existing spacecraft.

The company has already demonstrated the technology works. Founded in 2024, Star Catcher set the world record for optical power beaming, completed a critical on-orbit subsystem demonstration, and validated its end-to-end system architecture. Later this year, the company plans to launch the first-ever space-based optical power beaming demonstration mission, followed by a second orbital mission already in development.

"Every major application driving the space economy, connectivity, computing, security, sensing, is power-limited today. Star Catcher is lifting that ceiling, making it possible to build in orbit at the scale the next century of life on Earth will demand," said Andrew Rush, co-founder and CEO of Star Catcher.

Andrew Rush, Co-founder and CEO of Star Catcher Industries

The market opportunity appears substantial. Star Catcher has already signed seven power purchase agreements, secured multiple government contracts, and is managing a qualified commercial pipeline representing more than $3 billion in projected annual recurring revenue. This customer traction suggests the company is solving a real problem that both commercial space operators and government agencies are willing to pay for.

Why Are Major Investors Backing Space Infrastructure Now?

The Series A funding round attracted heavyweight investors with deep expertise in energy and technology. B Capital, which manages over $11 billion in assets, led the round. The firm's General Partner and Head of Energy, Jeff Johnson, explained the investment thesis.

"At B Capital, we focus on scaling technologies to enhance energy infrastructure, and the same dynamics we're seeing on Earth are now playing out in orbit. There is exploding demand, limited shared infrastructure, and a generational opportunity for the company capable of building the first in-orbit grid. We strongly believe Star Catcher is that company," said Jeff Johnson.

Jeff Johnson, General Partner and Head of Energy at B Capital

The funding also attracted national security expertise. General John W. "Jay" Raymond, the first Chief of Space Operations of the United States Space Force, joined Star Catcher's board as part of the round. Raymond emphasized the strategic importance of reliable power in orbit.

"Persistent surveillance, resilient communications, and unhindered maneuverability are all constrained today by power. An on-demand power grid can change that, expanding critical capabilities across commercial and national security missions," said General Raymond.

General John W. "Jay" Raymond (Ret.), First Chief of Space Operations of the United States Space Force

Shield Capital's John Serafini highlighted the speed at which Star Catcher has moved from concept to flight hardware.

"Star Catcher is solving the constraint that plagues every space-based mission: power. They've moved from concept to world-record performance to flight hardware on a timeline almost no frontier-tech company achieves, and they're building infrastructure with direct relevance to both commercial operators and the national security community," said John Serafini.

John Serafini, Partner at Shield Capital

How Does Space-Based Power Beaming Work?

Star Catcher's technology relies on optical power beaming, which concentrates solar energy collected in space and transmits it wirelessly to satellites in orbit. The key innovation is that this power can be delivered on demand to existing spacecraft without requiring them to be retrofitted with custom receivers. This means satellite operators can access additional power without redesigning their missions or hardware.

The company aims to deliver up to 10 times more power to satellites compared to traditional solar panel systems. This dramatic increase in available power could unlock new capabilities for satellites, from longer mission durations to more powerful sensors and communications equipment.

Steps to Understanding Star Catcher's Market Position

• Customer Validation: The company has signed seven power purchase agreements and secured multiple government contracts, indicating that both commercial and government customers see value in the technology.
• Technical Milestones: Star Catcher has set world records for optical power beaming, completed critical on-orbit demonstrations, and validated its full system architecture, all within less than two years of founding.
• Revenue Pipeline: The company is managing a qualified commercial pipeline representing more than $3 billion in projected annual recurring revenue, suggesting significant future growth potential.
• Strategic Partnerships: The involvement of the former Chief of Space Operations and major venture firms signals confidence from both national security and commercial investors.

The Series A funding will accelerate Star Catcher's path to scalable infrastructure deployment. The company plans to use the capital to launch its first space-based optical power beaming demonstration later this year, fund a second orbital mission already in development, and strengthen its engineering and operations capacity.

Star Catcher's success could reshape how the space economy operates. By removing power as a constraint on spacecraft design and mission capability, the company is positioning itself to unlock a new generation of space operations for commercial, civil, and national security customers. The $65 million Series A funding round signals that major investors believe this infrastructure layer is as fundamental to the space economy as terrestrial power grids are to life on Earth.