A Florida based company, Star Catcher, has received funding to launch the first off Earth Energy Grid. The constellation of spacecraft will provide power not to earth, but other space -based customers i.e. other LEO spacecraft or constellations. This capability “Impacts economics, capabilities and configuration of most everything we put in-orbit.” The need for this capability is driven by constellations such as Starlink as well as the estimated 50,000 spacecraft in LEO by 2030 (according to Star Catcher). The estimated future market growth of LEO spacecraft has provided incentive for the company to launch series of LEO network of “power-node” spacecraft that will beam solar energy to customer satellites.
Although the cybersecurity threats for a space -to -space power grid differ logistically from a terrestrial based grid there may be similarities in the secondary threat damage that can be inflicted on (client) adjoining systems. A “power node” spacecraft that is hijacked could possibly disrupt an entire client constellation depending on SC node configuration and placement in the space-based power system. In addition, this would have a secondary effect endangering client systems due to interdependency of systems.
Citing Work:
Space.com Florida Startup Star Catcher snags $12 million to help develop 1st off Earth Energy Grid. Mike Wall July 25, 2024.