
In a groundbreaking development in the realm of space innovations, Volta Space Technologies —a Montréal-based startup— is aspiring to develop a satellite network surrounding the moon to power up spacecraft on the lunar surface.
Dubbed "LightGrid" by Volta Space Technologies, the satellite-based solar system is poised to transfer through via lasers the solar energy accumulated by orbiting satellites.
The provision of this network will facilitate lunar landers and rovers to stay powered during the two-week lunar night or in permanently shadowed craters.
Read more: SpaceX Starship’s fifth flight test 'catches' Super Heavy booster
Volta's solar energy network for Moon
If it comes to fruition, this will mark a milestone in providing a reliable power source to lunar exploration missions in areas with scarce solar energy.
While orbiting the moon, satellites will catch solar power and gleam it to spacecraft and rovers with receivers installed.
LightGrid Moon charging station at the dark side of the Moon
According to Volta co-founder and chief technology officer Paolo Pino, the network has the potential to be widened to energise sensors, resource extraction facilities and other lunar infrastructure.
Volta co-founder and CEO Justin Zipkin remarked that the idea is inspired by a project at the International Space University, which propelled them to participate in NASA's Watts on the Moon competition.
Having developed and tested laser power transmission technology at distances of up to 850 meters, Volta is now eyeing to test the system in Earth orbit, slated for 2026.
The space tech innovators have also garnered grants and awards from NASA, the Defense Department, the European Space Agency, and the Canadian Space Agency.
Solar power for the Moon
Gearing up for a Series A funding round, Volta is said to be needing a Series B round of funds to deploy the first fleet of the LightGrid network by 2028.