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Clean energy company 1414 Degrees (ASX: 14D) has struck a deal with European space launch company Orbit Boy to test its silicon-anode battery technology for use in satellites, rockets and spacecraft, marking the company's entry into the global space power market.
Under the agreement, 14D will put its SiNTL silicon-anode batteries through a six-stage testing programme covering satellite power systems and, in a second phase, a 1.1 kW space defence laser known as Solaris.
The company will also subscribe for $500,000 in equity in Orbit Express, Orbit Boy's UK-incorporated parent company, split into two $250,000 tranches tied to program milestones.
The news comes less than a week after 14D announced a separate agreement with Ukrainian manufacturer Energia 2000 to test its SiNTL technology on military drones, signalling the company's rapid push to commercialise its battery cells across aerospace and defence applications.
Turin-based Orbit Boy describes itself as a microsatellite air-launch provider and claims heritage technology tested across about 500 launches over five years, along with partnerships with the European Space Agency, the Korea Aerospace Administration and other agencies
The company says its SiNTL silicon anodes have demonstrated at least 50 per cent greater energy density than traditional graphite anodes, with prior testing recording 530 milliampere-hours per gram compared with graphite's theoretical maximum of 372 mAh/g.
The weight advantage is critical in space applications, where every gram of payload carries significant launch cost implications.
"SiNTL has now well and truly entered that race," says 14D executive chairman Dr Kevin Moriarty.
"The Orbit Boy agreement gives 14D a direct technical and commercial pathway into satellite power systems as well as joining the space race.
"If the program performs as we expect, we believe it could open the door to potential dealings with the world's leading launch and satellite companies.
"We are building a company whose technology belongs in space, on the battlefield and on the grid, powering the next generation of satellites, drones and data centres.
"These thematics are at the forefront of the global evolution, and we are excited to keep the market informed about ongoing developments."
The first phase of testing will focus on integrating SiNTL cells into satellite power systems, while the second phase targets the Solaris Space Defence Laser, a 1.1 kW directed-energy system.
No binding supply or revenue agreements have been executed, with all commercial outcomes contingent on testing success.
The global space battery market was valued at US$4.49 billion ($6.9 billion) in 2025 and is forecast to reach US$10.16 billion by 2034, growing at a compound annual rate of 9.5 per cent, according to market research firm Straits Research.
More than 9,000 satellites now operate in low Earth orbit, with most lasting five to seven years before requiring replacement, underpinning steady demand for lightweight, high-density power systems.
Orbit Boy's parent entity Orbit Express is reported to be exploring listing options in the United States and Europe.
Shares in 14D jumped as much as 26 per cent today on the news to a high of 14.5c, although they eased back to be trading at 13.5c at 12.29pm (AEST).
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