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A Florida startup just raised $65 million to beam concentrated sunlight at satellites
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Delta_V lemmy.world Delta_V@lemmy.world
Joined: 2024-01-02
(edited) Quote

...Star Catcher says its customer base spans commercial space operators and U.S. Government stakeholders...

...If Star Catcher can prove the system works in orbit, satellite operators may no longer have to treat the power budget they launched with as the ceiling on what a spacecraft can do...

...its first space-based optical power-beaming demonstration is planned for later this year...

...In its announcement, Star Catcher said its Series A would fund deeper engagement with U.S. national security customers...

...“Persistent surveillance, resilient communications, and unhindered maneuverability are all constrained today by power,”...

...Beam pointing has to be precise across long distances. Beam intensity must be controlled so the system does not damage the solar arrays it is meant to help...

17   Original
Em Adespoton lemmy.ca adespoton@lemmy.ca
Joined: 2023-06-04
#2 · Quote Reply

I find this rather odd considering there’s other companies concentrating solar energy to beam from satellites to earth… and there’s other companies trying to solve the excess heat issues.

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Delta_V lemmy.world Delta_V@lemmy.world
Joined: 2024-01-02
#3 · Quote Reply

I find this rather odd considering there’s other companies concentrating solar energy to beam from satellites to earth… and there’s other companies trying to solve the excess heat issues.

It is rather curious.

4
Zaktor sopuli.xyz Zaktor@sopuli.xyz
Joined: 2023-08-22
#4 · Quote Reply

Clearly the best way to get more sunlight on a satellite is to send that sunlight through the atmosphere twice.

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burble lemmy.dbzer0.com burble@lemmy.dbzer0.com
Joined: 2023-06-28
#5 · Quote Reply

I find this rather odd considering there’s other companies concentrating solar energy to beam from satellites to earth… and there’s other companies trying to solve the excess heat issues.

Space based solar companies I can think of. I have no idea which, if any, are "legit":

Volta: space to moon

Starcatcher: space to space

Cowboy Space: space to earth

Reflect Orbital: space to earth

Overview: space to earth

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