Robinhood Co-Founder Launches Aetherflux: The Future of Space-Based Solar Power
Space-based solar power—once confined to science fiction—is now closer to reality with the launch of Aetherflux, a groundbreaking startup founded by Baiju Bhatt, billionaire co-founder of Robinhood. Emerging from stealth mode, Aetherflux aims to revolutionize clean energy by harnessing solar power directly from orbit and transmitting it to Earth.
A New Approach to Space Solar Power
Traditional space-based solar concepts have focused on massive, expensive satellites in geostationary orbit. Aetherflux, however, is taking a radically different approach:
- Constellation Model: Thousands of smaller satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO)
- Key Components: Each satellite features a solar array, battery, and near-optical infrared laser for power transmission
- Scalability: While individual satellites generate modest power, the collective output could be massive
“We’re not your grandpa’s space solar power,” Bhatt quipped in an interview. “Our model leverages modern advancements in satellite miniaturization and laser technology.”
The Vision Behind Aetherflux
Bhatt, a Stanford-educated physicist, has long been fascinated by space innovation. His father’s tenure at NASA’s Langley Research Center further fueled his passion.
“The commercialization of space opens incredible opportunities,” Bhatt explained. “Aetherflux is about bringing scalable capitalism to orbit while solving Earth’s energy challenges.”
Key Milestones Ahead
- Demo Mission (2025-2026): Partnering with Apex (a satellite manufacturer), Aetherflux plans to test its infrared laser transmission technology, potentially setting a distance record for wireless power transfer.
- Efficiency Goals: The system must minimize energy loss during transmission to compete with terrestrial solar.
- Long-Term Target: Each satellite could eventually power a small neighborhood.
Why Space-Based Solar?
- 24⁄7 Energy: Unlike ground-based solar, orbital systems avoid nighttime interruptions.
- Global Reach: Power can be beamed to remote or disaster-stricken areas.
- Sustainability: A potential game-changer for decarbonizing energy grids.
Challenges and Funding
Bhatt has invested millions of his own capital (his net worth exceeds $1.7B, per Forbes) to fund Aetherflux through its critical first mission. While the technology remains unproven, Bhatt is optimistic:
“Give this a few industrialization cycles, and space solar could rival terrestrial alternatives.”
The Road Ahead
If successful, Aetherflux could unlock a multi-billion-dollar market and redefine how humanity harnesses renewable energy. The upcoming demo mission will be a pivotal test of this ambitious vision.
Image: Baiju Bhatt, founder of Aetherflux (Credit: Bonnie Rae Mills)
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