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Space Startup Delivers Sunlight via Lasers
14 Mar
Summary
- Startup plans to deliver sunlight to orbiting satellites.
- Uses laser beams to power spacecraft in Earth's shadow.
- Aims to launch prototype payload in 2028 with $10 million seed funding.
Mantis Space, a New Mexico-based startup, has announced its intention to provide sunlight to satellites in orbit. The company emerged from stealth with $10 million in seed funding to develop a constellation of satellites designed for this purpose.
Satellites typically rely on solar panels, but they spend about a third of their orbit in Earth's shadow, necessitating battery power. Mantis Space's solution involves using laser beams to transmit energy to satellites, allowing them to operate without constant sunlight and potentially reducing their reliance on heavy batteries and large solar arrays.
The company envisions its constellation collecting sunlight and beaming it to customer satellites using military-grade lasers. CEO Eric Truitt aims to launch a prototype payload in 2028, with plans to power up to 40 satellites simultaneously. This initiative focuses on enhancing the performance of existing satellites by providing a consistent power source.
