Solar power satellite deliver power to the UK. Photo: Frazer-Nash Consultancy

Satellite Applications Catapult is forming a unique partnership with Space Solar as it looks to meet energy needs of the future. It announced the partnership Aug. 10. The two companies believe the sun and space can power us all into a sustainable future.

Space Solar, a spinout from the Catapult, has been operating since April 2022. During this time, it has established a strong management team and kick-started the development program for the first fully operational Gigawatt scale space-based solar power system, CASSIOPeiA. The two companies believe we are entering a new era where companies can create large scale infrastructure in space that will make major contributions to a sustainable future on Earth.

The company is now focusing on the rapid delivery of this program, including the completion of its first wireless power demonstrator. This is an important step in their 12-year delivery plan, which also includes a major demonstration of Megawatt scale power beamed from space by 2029 – in just six years’ time. This partnership between Space Solar and the Catapult, which will be delivered through provision of technical expertise and other support, confirms the commitment of both organizations to realizing the potential for space-based solar power.

“Our mission is to create an era-defining solar energy source from space. It’s a bold goal which has excited the industry, investors and caught the public imagination. Today our business begins its next step, and we would like to thank the Catapult for its support, and its ongoing input into our success. It is through strong partnerships that we will make space-based solar power a reality and the Catapult has been and continues to be our biggest supporter,” Martin Soltau, Co-CEO of Space Solar said in a statement.