Orbital Composites and Virtus Solis to build commercial space-based solar power station

Space-based solar power is a concept that involves capturing solar energy using photovoltaic arrays and transmitting it wirelessly to Earth for use 24/7. Virtus will design the core SBSP technologies like antenna arrays, power electronics, and modular mega-structures. Orbital will apply its expertise in robotic manufacturing to develop low-cost and scalable manufacturing processes and provide manufacturing-as-a-service to Virtus. This will include 3D printed phase-array antennas, turnkey satellites and In-Space Service, Assembly and Manufacturing (ISAM) of Virtus SBSP station.

Incorporated in 2019, Virtus has made significant strides in the development of commercial space-based solar power solutions. Its groundbreaking wireless power transmission (WPT) technology, demonstrated in March 2023, showcased the ability to transmit power over 100 meters. By utilising microwave WPT, Virtus enables the efficient transfer of solar energy from space to the ground, surpassing the obstacles of Earth's shadow and weather. Its hyper-modular SBSP architecture, leveraging commercial space launch, Moore's Law, and modern automated manufacturing, offers energy costs low enough to globally displace fossil fuels as the primary energy source.

John Bucknell, CEO of Virtus Solis, expressed his excitement about the collaboration, stating: "Virtus Solis is pleased to announce the MOU with Orbital Composites to leverage their manufacturing prowess in realising our vision of hyper-modular satellite arrays in orbit. This partnership is a significant step towards providing clean, low-cost energy to our planet and unlocking the potential of cislunar space. By combining our breakthrough technologies with Orbital Composites' expertise, we aim to revolutionise space-based solar power and accelerate the transition to a sustainable energy future."

Orbital is pioneering robotic additive manufacturing for advanced electronic composites. Its robotic factories will be capable of mass-producing highly integrated SBSP satellites with phase-arrays and power electronics. Orbital has been funded by the US Space Force to develop ISAM robotics. The company has also formed partnerships with key players in the Space ecosystem like Axiom Space (LEO), Northrop Grumman (GEO), and Lockheed Martin (CisLunar).

“ISAM’s foundational set of capabilities are required for SBSP and will allow humanity to build its largest ever structures in space,” said Cole Nielsen, Orbital’s Founder and CTO. “This sounds like science fiction, until one day it will become our reality.”

Orbital’s CEO Amolak Badesha added: “In space manufacturing is the next big revolution in the space industry since reusable rockets. ISAM needs compelling applications, and SBSP is near the top of the list.”

Both Orbital Composites and Virtus Solis are currently part of Seraphim’s Generation Space Accelerator Mission 11. The programme has played a vital role in fostering connections and nurturing promising startups such as Orbital Composites and Virtus Solis, both of whom are alumni. 

Ellie Gyaurova, Accelerator Manager at Generation Space, said: "We are thrilled to have been instrumental in facilitating the connection between these two organisations and fostering this transformative collaboration. This partnership represents a powerful convergence of complementary talent, resources, and expertise, and we are confident that it will drive innovation and generate significant value for all involved."