Orbital power beaming network
A planned constellation in lower medium Earth orbit that would collect sunlight and fire lasers at customer satellites' solar panels when those satellites are in darkness.
Why it matters
Satellites in low orbit spend a large share of each orbit in Earth's shadow and must carry heavy batteries. Power delivered during eclipse could shrink batteries and keep power-hungry payloads such as orbital data centers running.
How the technology works
Mantis spacecraft would sit in lower MEO, almost always in sunlight, and aim lasers thousands of kilometers to customer solar arrays. Payload reported the first payload could carry up to four beams and that Mantis aims to launch in early 2028.
The customer satellite uses its existing solar panels to receive the light.
Sources
Updated Oct 22, 2026 · How we source facts · Suggest a correction