Katalyst Space Selected for Orbital Power Beaming
The Pentagon awarded a contract to demonstrate space-based microwave energy transmission for future warfighting platforms.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Quantum Computing
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Should the government invest in developing space-based power beaming technology?
The Operational Energy Capability Improvement Fund has selected Katalyst Space to develop a robotic spacecraft capable of assembling large-format power beaming systems in orbit. This initiative, part of the Advanced Scalable Growth Architecture for Robotic Deployment (ASGARD) program, remains in the development stage.
Why it matters
The ASGARD program aims to mature space-based energy technologies that could provide reliable power to remote or future warfighting platforms. By developing the ability to beam solar-harvested energy to Earth, the military seeks to reduce logistical dependencies on traditional fuel supply chains.
The system relies on modular tiles currently under development by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory that convert solar energy into radio frequency microwave energy. This assembly process requires a Nexus spacecraft to physically connect these components using robotic arms while in orbit.
The players
Katalyst Space
A satellite and robotic mission developer that maintains a Defense Innovation Unit contract for orbital deorbit services.
U.S. Naval Research Laboratory
The corporate research laboratory for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps that manages advanced aerospace and modular hardware development.
Operational Energy Capability Improvement Fund
A Department of Defense entity focused on investing in new energy technologies to enhance warfighting capabilities.
The details
The mission centers on the Nexus spacecraft, which will perform autonomous on-orbit robotic assembly to construct a large-format power beaming array. Once fully assembled, the system functions by capturing solar radiation and transforming it into radio frequency (RF) microwave energy—an electromagnetic wave used to transmit data or power wirelessly—which is then directed toward receivers on Earth. The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory is specifically tasked with the engineering of the modular tiles that facilitate this conversion process.
Timeline
September 21, 2026: Katalyst Space announced its selection for the power beaming program.
The Tech Race
This effort extends the current research roadmap for the ASGARD program by moving from theoretical robotic assembly to active energy transmission capabilities. It represents a shift in the race to demonstrate orbital infrastructure that can support sustained, long-distance power delivery.
This project is currently in the development phase and does not yet impact civilian or commercial power grids. Progress will depend on the successful launch and assembly of the robotic spacecraft, with timelines for mission-readiness currently unannounced.
The takeaway
The ASGARD program is testing the feasibility of using orbital assembly to overcome launch-volume constraints for large-format power arrays. Watch for follow-up announcements regarding the maiden flight of the Nexus spacecraft to verify the platform's robotic assembly success.
Further reading
Explore ongoing developments in emerging space infrastructure within the Quantum Computing section.
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Should the government invest in developing space-based power beaming technology?
