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Introduction
Volta Space Technologies, a Montreal-based startup with US offices, has announced an innovative project called “LightGrid.” Specifically, this satellite network will orbit the moon, collecting solar power and transmitting it to spacecraft on the lunar surface. Moreover, the technology aims to provide uninterrupted power for lunar exploration missions, even in areas with no sunlight.
LightGrid: A Revolutionary Power Solution
Unveiled on October 10, LightGrid will use orbiting satellites to capture solar energy and transmit it via lasers to lunar landers and rovers. The network is designed to solve a major challenge in space exploration: providing power during the two-week lunar night or in permanently shadowed craters. According to Paolo Pino, Volta’s co-founder and Chief Technology Officer, this system could eventually support other lunar infrastructure, such as sensors and resource extraction facilities.
The Origin and Vision of Volta Space Technologies
Volta Space Technologies was born from a project at the International Space University. Initially, the startup participated in NASA’s Watts on the Moon competition, which sparked the idea for LightGrid. As a result, co-founder and CEO Justin Zipkin shared that the company has already attracted interest, with term sheets from potential customers totaling over $250 million.
Furthermore, the startup has developed laser power transmission technology, successfully testing it over distances of up to 850 meters. Looking ahead, the next step is to test the system in Earth orbit, scheduled for 2026, with the goal of deploying the first phase of LightGrid by 2028.
How LightGrid Works
The initial LightGrid network will consist of three small satellites in low lunar orbit. These satellites will provide full power service to customers on the lunar surface, with the ability to scale up by adding more satellites. This approach offers a key advantage over deploying power infrastructure directly on the lunar surface, as noted by Volta’s Chief Operating Officer, Paul Damphousse. He emphasized that orbiting satellites provide global coverage from the start, which is simpler and more flexible than landing equipment on the surface.
Funding and Future Plans
Volta Space Technologies has raised initial seed funding from investors like MaC Venture Capital and Industrious Ventures. The company has also received grants and awards from NASA, the Defense Department, the European Space Agency, and the Canadian Space Agency. As they prepare for a Series A funding round, Volta anticipates a Series B round to fully deploy the LightGrid network by 2028.
Beyond the Moon: Exploring New Applications
Volta’s technology could have far-reaching applications beyond lunar missions. The company is exploring transmitting power between space platforms, from space to Earth, and providing emergency power in disaster relief situations. Additionally, Volta is investigating the potential of using its laser power transmission technology for airborne and maritime purposes, expanding the technology’s impact across multiple industries.
Conclusion
Volta Space Technologies is poised to play a pivotal role in the future of lunar exploration and space infrastructure. With its innovative LightGrid system, the company aims to provide a reliable power source for lunar missions, while also exploring terrestrial applications. As space exploration advances, Volta’s vision could be a game-changer in how we power spacecraft and infrastructure on the moon and beyond.
