BSV Podcast 0137: Space Power

Balerion Principal Emerson Garnett sits down with Keval Dattani, Founder & CEO of Space Power, to discuss laser power beaming in space. Space Power is developing photon delivery systems that transmit energy to existing solar arrays using wavelength-tuned lasers. The company is focused on reducing spacecraft power constraints across GEO satellites, LEO constellations, lunar infrastructure, and future deep-space missions.Timestamped Overview00:00 – Introduction and Space Power’s origin story02:30 – Photon delivery, solar panel compatibility, and on-demand recharge03:07 – The growing power problem for commercial and government space missions04:53 – Launch constraints, battery mass, and satellite design tradeoffs06:13 – Power needs for lunar infrastructure and permanently shadowed regions07:25 – Technical overview of laser-based power transmission to photovoltaic arrays09:31 – Early feasibility work, multi-junction cells, and patent development11:09 – Customer adoption challenges and the need to prove reliability12:25 – Initial customers, GEO satellites, and critical infrastructure resilience14:17 – Lunar night, Mars missions, nuclear reactors, and advanced propulsion16:37 – Scaling the system across GEO and LEO operating models18:09 – Ground demonstration using a rover, tracking system, and laser charging19:13 – Partnerships, defense demand, and military satellite applications21:50 – Space data centers and the challenge of continuous orbital power23:30 – Pricing power beaming and service models for space energy delivery25:23 – In-orbit demonstrator plans and fractionated spacecraft applications26:37 – GEO satellite rescue and roadside assistance for spacecraft28:27 – Regulatory considerations, beam safety, and universal compatibility30:45 – Team composition, space experience, and company development32:23 – Near-term milestones, high-power laser testing, and launch preparation33:12 – Timeline toward GEO operations and commercial deployment34:10 – Lunar surface applications for rovers, habitats, and safety systems34:55 – Contrarian views on launch assumptions and space infrastructure36:17 – Long-term vision for LEO power grids, GEO rescue, lunar bases, and deep-space power37:04 – Interplay between space reactors and universal power distribution38:22 – How to follow Space Power and get involved39:11 – Closing discussion on shared infrastructure and NewSpace services This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit balerionspace.substack.com