Baiju Bhatt, co-founder of financial services app Robinhood, has launched a new startup called Aetherflux, which aims to beam solar power from satellites in space to receivers on Earth. Despite the challenges and skepticism surrounding space-based solar power, Aetherflux has secured $50 million in Series A funding and plans to launch a test next year. The company’s approach differs from others in the space, using a constellation of small satellites in Low Earth Orbit to transmit power to small, portable ground stations on Earth using infrared lasers. This technology is intended to bring electricity to remote islands, areas affected by natural disasters, and US military forces in active operations.
Aetherflux has secured approval from the US Department of Defense’s Operational Energy Capability Improvement Fund (OECIF) to support its program, which will develop a demonstration in Low Earth Orbit by 2026. The company will use a satellite bus from Los Angeles-based Apex Space and aims to launch a test next year. Despite the difficulties of space-based solar power, Aetherflux claims to have successfully transmitted power in a lab setting.
Aetherflux is not the only company working on space-based solar power, as there have been efforts from China, the European Space Agency, and a UK-based startup in collaboration with Iceland. However, Aetherflux’s approach is unique in using infrared lasers to transmit power and has received significant funding and support from the US Department of Defense.
While space-based solar power faces significant challenges, such as satellite temperature fluctuations and beam synchronization issues, Aetherflux is moving forward with its plans. The company’s goal is to harness the Sun’s energy and bring it to where it is needed most, and its efforts have garnered attention from Silicon Valley investors.