Protostar
Star Catcher's first orbital demonstration, launched on SpaceX's Transporter-18 rideshare in October 2026 to beam power from one free-flying spacecraft to another.
Why it matters
Star Catcher says power beaming between two untethered spacecraft has never been done. A success would move its power grid idea from ground tests to proof in orbit.
How the technology works
Protostar is a prototype power node that collects solar energy, finds and tracks a target and transmits power. After commissioning it is to release a CubeSat, track it, and beam measurable power onto the CubeSat's off-the-shelf solar panels.
Sources
Updated Oct 22, 2026 · How we source facts · Suggest a correction