The Space Show Presents Andrew Rush, CEO of Star Catcher, Friday, 6-19-26

The Space Show Presents Andrew Rush of Star Catcher, Friday, 6-1926Quick Summary:This Space Show program featured Andrew Rush, CEO of Star Catcher, discussing their development of an orbital energy grid using power beaming technology. Andrew explained how his network of satellites would collect solar energy and transmit it via laser beams to client satellites in low Earth orbit, enabling them to deliver significantly more power without requiring larger solar arrays or changes to the satellites’ orientation. The technology aims to address power constraints in space by delivering up to 100 kilowatts per power node, with plans to provide commercial service by the end of the decade. The discussion covered potential applications including orbital data centers, lunar power distribution, and extending the operational life of existing satellites, with Andrew noting they had raised $65 million in Series A funding and were actively hiring.Andrew Rush, CEO of Star Catcher, discussed the company’s efforts to create the first orbital energy grid through power beaming satellites. He explained that Star Catcher has developed a network of power beaming satellites using solar concentrators and multi-wavelength laser systems to deliver additional power to client satellites in low Earth orbit. Andrew reported significant progress, including over 40 letters of intent signed and 6-7 power purchase agreements, demonstrating strong market demand for the technology. He clarified that while each power node can deliver about 100 kilowatts of energy, the system is designed for one-to-many architecture with multiple beams, and as a U.S. company, they remain subject to ITAR regulations.Andrew explained that client satellites in the Star Catcher network don’t need to change their orientation to receive power from the system’s power nodes in low Earth orbit at 1500 kilometers altitude. He detailed how the power beaming uses near-infrared and visible wavelengths compatible with both silicon and gallium arsenide solar cells, with different requirements for each type of cell. Philip suggested using the infrastructure to help satellites escape the atmosphere more easily, potentially reducing launch costs, which Andrew acknowledged as a promising use case, particularly for electric propulsion systems.Special thanks to our sponsors:American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Helix Space in Luxembourg, Celestis Memorial Spaceflights, Astrox Corporation, Dr. Haym Benaroya of Rutgers University, The Space Settlement Progress Blog by John Jossy, The Atlantis Project, and Artless EntertainmentWe use Zoom phone numbers for program participation.For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: [email protected] for instructions and access.The Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. To donate via Pay Pal, use:To donate with Zelle, use the email address: [email protected] you prefer donating with a check, please make the check payable to One Giant Leap Foundation and mail to:One Giant Leap Foundation, 11035 Lavender Hill Drive Ste. 160-306 Las Vegas, NV 89135Upcoming Programs:Broadcast 4552: Zoom: Andrew Rush, CEO of Star Catcher | Friday 19 Jun 2026 930AM PTGuests: Andrew RushZoom: Andrew Rush, CEO of Star Catcher updates us with new developments. See https://www.star-catcher.comSunday, June 21: No Program For Father’s Day | Sunday 21 Jun 2026 1200PM PTGuests: Dr. David LivingstonNo program due to Father’s Day Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe