The space industry is no longer just launching satellites; it is beginning to service, fuel and power them in orbit, and the shift from concept to commercial reality is accelerating. After years of theoretical roadmaps, capabilities such as on-orbit refueling, debris removal, in-space assembly and orbital power distribution are now drawing serious capital, government contracts and engineering milestones. Into this pivotal moment, Planet Ventures (CSE: PXI) (OTC: PNXPF) has made its first move into the space economy, backing Mantis Space, a company working to build the first power grid in orbit.
Planet Ventures completed a $200,000 strategic equity investment in Mantis Space, marking the company’s first deployment of capital into the sector. The investment underscores a growing recognition that the demand driving key space services is structural, not speculative. According to Novaspace’s 2026 small satellite market report, 16,900 satellites under 500 kg will be launched between 2026 and 2035, averaging roughly 640 kg of payload deployed daily. As constellations scale, operators face mounting pressure to manage power, fuel and orbital congestion.
The concept of an orbital power grid addresses a critical bottleneck: satellites currently rely on onboard solar panels and batteries, which degrade over time and limit operational life. A space-based power grid could enable satellites to recharge in orbit, extend mission durations, and support energy-intensive activities such as in-space manufacturing and data processing. Mantis Space is developing technology to wirelessly transmit power between spacecraft, potentially revolutionizing how satellites and other orbital assets are operated.
Planet Ventures’ investment strategy focuses on early-stage companies with disruptive technologies in high-growth sectors. The company’s decision to enter the space infrastructure space reflects a broader trend of increasing private and government investment in orbital services. The U.S. Space Force, NASA, and other agencies have awarded contracts for on-orbit servicing and refueling, validating the commercial potential of these capabilities.
“We believe the space infrastructure sector is at an inflection point,” said a spokesperson for Planet Ventures. “Mantis Space’s approach to orbital power distribution could become a foundational technology for the next generation of commercial space activity.” The investment aligns with Planet Ventures’ goal of providing capital to companies that address structural demands in emerging markets.
For Mantis Space, the funding will accelerate development of its power transmission system and support initial demonstration missions. The company aims to prove the technology in low Earth orbit within the next few years, positioning itself as a key supplier to satellite operators and government agencies. If successful, the orbital power grid could reduce the cost and complexity of satellite operations, enabling new applications such as persistent Earth observation, space-based solar power, and deep-space logistics.
The space economy is projected to grow to over $1 trillion by 2040, according to industry estimates, with in-orbit services representing a significant portion of that value. Planet Ventures’ early entry into this market through Mantis Space provides exposure to a segment that could see exponential growth as infrastructure matures. The company’s investment portfolio also includes other space-related ventures, such as General Astronautics, which focuses on lunar habitation technologies.
Investors should note that forward-looking statements regarding the space industry’s growth and the success of Mantis Space’s technology involve risks, including early-stage investment risk, technology risk, and regulatory risk. For more information about Planet Ventures, visit the company’s newsroom at https://nnw.fm/PNXPF.
