Star Catcher raises $88 million to build the first space power grid; its plan is to recharge satellites with lasers

Star Catcher raised $65 million in new funding, bringing its total capital raised to $88 million.

The company plans to launch its first system this year to capture solar energy in space and beam it by laser to satellites and other spacecraft.

Its longer-term vision is a 200-satellite low-Earth-orbit constellation that could provide a new power supply for space missions.

The idea could expand in-orbit energy access, but it also raises concerns about orbital congestion, space debris, and collision risk.