Pentagon Selected Katalyst for Space Power Project
The U.S. military tapped the startup to demonstrate orbital power beaming technology via the ASGARD program.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Quantum Computing
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Should the government invest in developing space-based power beaming technology?
The Pentagon's Operational Energy Capability Improvement Fund has selected Katalyst Space to develop a robotic mission for space-based power beaming. This initiative aims to mature advanced energy technologies for future warfighting platforms.
Why it matters
The program seeks to harness solar energy in orbit and convert it into radio frequency microwave energy for transmission to Earth. It represents a significant push to develop scalable orbital energy systems for defense applications.
The ASGARD program utilizes modular tiles developed by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory that convert solar energy into microwave radio frequency energy. A Katalyst Nexus spacecraft will deploy robotic arms to assemble this large-format system while in orbit.
The players
Katalyst Space
This private company is a space-based technology firm that focuses on orbital infrastructure and robotic assembly systems.
U.S. Naval Research Laboratory
This is the corporate laboratory for the Navy and Marine Corps that conducts basic and applied research for the U.S. Department of Defense.
Operational Energy Capability Improvement Fund
This office manages the Department of Defense funding for projects that aim to enhance the energy security and operational effectiveness of military platforms.
The details
Katalyst Space will develop and launch a robotic spacecraft designed to assemble the power beaming system on-orbit. This mission builds upon the company's existing work with the Defense Innovation Unit on deorbit-as-a-service technology.
Timeline
September 21, 2026: Katalyst announced its selection for the power beaming program.
The Tech Race
The ASGARD program follows a pattern established by recent Pentagon investments in autonomous orbital maintenance and logistics systems. This initiative marks a shift toward utilizing robotic assembly to replace traditional, large-scale satellite deployments.
The successful development of space-based power beaming could eventually shift how energy is distributed to remote or hard-to-reach locations on Earth. While the project is currently in the experimental phase, it may establish new technical standards for long-distance microwave energy transmission.
The takeaway
The ASGARD mission serves as a critical test for the viability of robotic orbital construction. Industry observers will be watching to see if the robotic assembly of power systems can outpace the costs of traditional terrestrial energy infrastructure.
Further reading
For broader developments in next-generation orbital technology, visit the Quantum Computing section.
Live Poll
Should the government invest in developing space-based power beaming technology?
