The Commercial Space Federation (CSF) has welcomed Overview Energy, Loft Orbital, and Star Catcher as new associate members, expanding the organization’s network with companies developing technologies for space-based energy, satellite deployment, and orbital power infrastructure.
Astronomy
The additions reflect growing industry efforts to build the next generation of commercial space capabilities, ranging from in-orbit energy distribution to rapid satellite deployment services.
Overview Energy Advances Space-Based Solar Power
Founded in 2022 in Northern Virginia, Overview Energy is developing a space-based solar energy system designed to collect continuous sunlight in geosynchronous orbit and transmit power to Earth using near-infrared light.
The company aims to deliver energy to existing and future utility-scale solar installations while enabling electricity to be redirected across regions in response to changing demand without requiring new ground infrastructure.
Overview has already demonstrated wireless power transmission from a moving airborne platform and plans to conduct its first Low Earth Orbit (LEO) mission in 2028.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer Marc Berte said joining the federation supports the company’s long-term energy goals.
“Joining the Commercial Space Federation is an important step in Overview’s mission to make space solar energy a cornerstone of American energy security.”
He added:
“We look forward to collaborating with CSF and its members to shape policies that accelerate clean, reliable power from orbit and strengthen US energy resilience.”
Loft Orbital Expands Satellite Mission Services
Established in 2017, Loft Orbital provides end-to-end satellite mission services by integrating, launching, and operating spacecraft on behalf of customers.
The company said its modular infrastructure and inventory of ready-to-deploy satellites allow customers to place payloads into orbit within months instead of years.
Loft has completed more than 25 missions covering a wide range of commercial and government applications.
The company operates facilities in San Francisco, Golden, Colorado, and Toulouse, France. In 2024, Loft and Marlan Space formed Orbitworks, described as the Middle East’s first private space infrastructure company.
Senior Vice President of Business Development Mack Koepke said the company’s objectives align closely with those of the federation.
“We are thrilled to support our government partners and the broader growth of the commercial LEO economy.”
He added:
“Loft’s mission is to make space simple, which closely aligns with the Commercial Space Federation’s mission to streamline opportunities for innovation and investment. We are happy to lend our support as industry experts in satellite services.”
Star Catcher Develops Orbital Energy Network
Star Catcher is developing what it describes as the first energy grid in space, using concentrated solar energy beamed directly to satellites’ existing solar panels.
The approach is designed to increase available onboard power by between two and ten times without requiring spacecraft to install specialized receivers or undergo hardware modifications.
Chief Executive Officer and co-founder Andrew Rush said collaboration across the industry is essential to building a sustainable space economy.
“Building the space economy is a team effort; no single company can do it alone.”
He added:
“We joined the Commercial Space Federation for its collaborative efforts to accelerate progress, tackling shared challenges. The future of space won’t be built overnight, but together, we can turn a long-term vision into reality as we build faster and more sustainably.”
The Commercial Space Federation said the addition of the three companies strengthens its efforts to support innovation, commercial investment, and policy development across the rapidly expanding global space industry.
