Planet Ventures Inc. (CSE: PXI) (OTC: PNXPF) has completed a $200,000 strategic equity investment in Mantis Space, a company working to build the first power grid in orbit. This marks Planet Ventures' first deployment of capital into the space sector, reflecting a broader shift from theoretical concepts to commercial reality in space-based services.
The space industry is no longer just about launching satellites; it is beginning to service, fuel and power them in orbit. After years of roadmaps, capabilities such as on-orbit refueling, debris removal, in-space assembly and orbital power distribution are now attracting serious capital, government contracts and engineering milestones. The demand driving these services is structural, not speculative. According to a report by Novaspace, an estimated 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 orbital assets efficiently, creating a need for in-orbit infrastructure.
Mantis Space is developing what it describes as the world's first power grid in space, a system that could provide continuous power to satellites and other spacecraft, reducing reliance on onboard solar panels and batteries. This technology could enable longer mission durations, higher power payloads, and new commercial applications such as in-space manufacturing and data processing. The investment aligns with Planet Ventures' strategy of targeting early-stage companies in transformative sectors. The company's newsroom provides updates on its portfolio, available at https://nnw.fm/PNXPF.
The move comes as the global space economy is projected to grow significantly, driven by declining launch costs and increasing demand for satellite-based services. However, the sector carries high risks. Early-stage space companies have limited operating histories and may require additional funding. Technology risks are substantial, as orbital power systems are unproven at commercial scale. Regulatory hurdles also exist, as space operations require licenses from domestic and international bodies. Market risks include the possibility that commercial demand for in-space power may not materialize as anticipated. Planet Ventures acknowledges these risks in its forward-looking statements, noting that investments in its portfolio companies could result in a total loss of capital.
Despite these challenges, the investment underscores a growing recognition that space infrastructure is moving from concept to deployment. As satellite constellations proliferate, the ability to service, refuel and power them in orbit could become essential. Planet Ventures' backing of Mantis Space positions it at the forefront of this emerging industry, though the path to commercial viability remains uncertain.
