What If Satellites Could Plug Into a Power Grid in Space?

What if a power-starved satellite didn’t have to rely entirely on its own solar panels? Wireless power beaming could eventually turn space itself into an energy network, transmitting electricity where and when spacecraft need it.

During this TechMobility Topics segment, we explore whether orbital power grids could support satellites, spacecraft, and potentially energy-hungry data centers in space. The concept could change how we design and operate orbital infrastructure by separating where electricity is generated from where it is consumed.

But beaming energy across space introduces serious questions about efficiency, interference, safety, ownership, and regulation.

If electricity can be transmitted through space on demand, who controls the power grid when there are no national borders?