ORiS secures €5M for wireless spacecraft power
Turin-based ORiS has secured €5M to develop laser-based systems that transmit electricity wirelessly to spacecraft and dual-use platforms.
Satellites are usually designed around strict onboard power limits. ORiS is exploring whether energy could eventually be delivered separately, much like refuelling extends the range of vehicles on Earth.
What happened
ORiS secured €4.5M in pre-seed equity and a €500K regional grant. Earlybird led the equity round, with participation from Pitchdrive, Galaxia, Vento and Piemonte Next Fund.
The Turin-based startup is developing laser-based systems intended to transmit electricity wirelessly to spacecraft. It is also using drone-recharging demonstrations to test parts of the technology in a more accessible environment before attempting orbital applications.
Why it matters
Power constrains how often satellites can operate sensors, communicate or run demanding payloads. A reliable external energy source could eventually extend mission life or support spacecraft with higher power requirements.
However, the technical challenge is substantial. The system must transmit energy accurately over distance while managing efficiency, heat, safety and precise targeting.
The bigger picture
The space industry is beginning to explore infrastructure that separates a spacecraft’s capabilities from what it carries at launch. Refuelling, servicing and power delivery could make missions more flexible and reduce the need to replace entire satellites.
ORiS remains at an early validation stage, but its approach represents a broader shift toward treating orbit as an operating environment with shared services rather than a destination for disposable hardware.