Space Startups Star Catcher and The Exploration Company Advance Orbital Energy and Funding

Star Catcher, led by CEO Andrew Rush, is developing the world’s first orbital energy grid that will wirelessly transmit power to satellites and other spacecraft. The company has raised about $88 million to date, including a $65 million Series A round backed by B Capital, Shield Capital and Cerberus Ventures, and aims to create an “energy‑as‑a‑service” platform for space.

European startup The Exploration Company is seeking to raise $300 million at a $2 billion valuation to build reusable spacecraft technology comparable to SpaceX. The fundraising effort highlights a broader surge of private capital into the space sector, which grew 12 % last year to an estimated $686 billion. Together, these moves illustrate rapid commercialization of space infrastructure and the growing role of private investment alongside evolving regulatory environments.