Mantis Space, a New Mexico-based startup, has emerged from stealth mode with $10 million in seed funding to develop a constellation of satellites designed to deliver solar power directly to spacecraft. The company announced its funding round on March 12, revealing plans to create a space-based power distribution network that can supply energy to existing solar arrays on operational satellites.
The constellation will consist of power-beaming satellites equipped with solar collection arrays and wireless power transmission systems. These spacecraft will be designed to deliver power to customer satellites through directed energy beams, potentially extending mission lifespans and enabling operations in shadowed regions or during eclipse periods. The technology aims to work with solar arrays already deployed in the current satellite market.
Mantis Space has not disclosed specific timeline details for constellation deployment or the number of satellites planned for the initial phase. The company is entering a competitive field alongside other space-based solar power ventures, though most focus on Earth-based power delivery rather than satellite-to-satellite energy transfer.
The concept addresses a critical limitation in space operations where satellites rely solely on onboard power generation and storage. By providing external power sources, the technology could enable more ambitious missions, reduce battery requirements, and allow spacecraft to operate in previously inaccessible orbital positions. This approach represents a shift from traditional space solar power concepts that focus on beaming energy to Earth.
The $10 million seed round positions Mantis Space among emerging commercial space ventures targeting infrastructure services, as the satellite industry increasingly seeks solutions for power, propulsion, and maintenance in orbit.