Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
June 17, 2026
Planet Ventures Invests in Orbital Power Grid as Space Infrastructure Era Begins
TLDR
- Planet Ventures invested $200K in Mantis Space, gaining early access to the first orbital power grid.
- Mantis Space develops in-space power grid technology, enabling satellite servicing, refueling, and debris removal.
- Orbital power grids enable sustainable space infrastructure, reducing debris and supporting future space exploration.
- The space industry is shifting from launching satellites to servicing them in orbit, with 16,900 small satellites expected by 2035.
Impact - Why it Matters
This investment matters because it signals a major shift in the space industry: from merely launching satellites to building the infrastructure that will service, fuel, and power them in orbit. For investors, it highlights a new frontier for growth—space-based utilities could become as essential as terrestrial power grids. For the average person, this technology may eventually enable more reliable satellite services, from global internet to Earth observation, by extending satellite lifespans and reducing space debris. As constellations grow, the ability to refuel and power satellites in orbit will be critical to sustaining the space economy. Planet Ventures' early move into this sector could position it to benefit from a market that is projected to see thousands of new satellites launched in the coming decade.
Summary
The space industry is rapidly evolving from a satellite-launching business to a full-fledged infrastructure sector, with companies now developing services like on-orbit refueling, debris removal, and in-space assembly. This shift is attracting significant capital and government contracts, marking a pivotal moment for the commercial space economy. Into this landscape steps Planet Ventures Inc. (CSE: PXI) (OTC: PNXPF), which has made its first strategic investment in the space sector by backing Mantis Space. Mantis Space is developing what it describes as the world’s first power grid in orbit, aiming to distribute energy to satellites and other spacecraft. Planet Ventures completed a $200,000 strategic equity investment in Mantis Space, signaling its commitment to participating in the next generation of space infrastructure.
The demand for these services is structural, not speculative, according to the news release. Novaspace’s 2026 small satellite market report forecasts that 16,900 satellites under 500 kg will be launched between 2026 and 2035, averaging roughly 640 kg of payload deployed daily. As satellite constellations scale, operators face mounting pressure to manage power, fuel, and maintenance in orbit. Mantis Space’s orbital power grid could provide a solution by enabling satellites to 'plug in' rather than rely solely on onboard solar panels, extending their operational life and capabilities. This investment aligns with Planet Ventures' strategy of targeting early-stage, high-growth opportunities in emerging technology sectors, particularly those with the potential to become foundational infrastructure.
Investors and industry observers should note that Planet Ventures is positioning itself as a player in the space economy at a time when the sector is transitioning from theoretical roadmaps to commercial reality. The company’s investment in Mantis Space, alongside its earlier involvement with General Astronautics, demonstrates a focused approach to capturing value from the growing need for in-orbit services. As the space industry continues to expand, the ability to provide power, fuel, and maintenance in orbit could become as critical as the launch vehicles that deliver payloads to space. Planet Ventures is betting that Mantis Space’s technology will be at the heart of this transformation.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content disributed by InvestorBrandNetwork (IBN). Read the original source here, Planet Ventures Invests in Orbital Power Grid as Space Infrastructure Era Begins
