Aetherflux, a pioneering space solar startup founded by Baiju Bhatt, co-founder of Robinhood, has successfully raised $50 million in a Series A funding round. This substantial investment is earmarked for launching the company’s inaugural low Earth orbit (LEO) demonstration satellite in 2026, marking a significant step toward realizing the potential of space-based solar power.
Innovative Approach to Space-Based Solar Energy
Traditional concepts of space-based solar power have often involved deploying massive, costly structures in geostationary orbit to collect solar energy and transmit it to Earth. These designs have faced numerous challenges, including high costs and technical complexities, preventing them from advancing beyond theoretical studies. Aetherflux aims to revolutionize this field by adopting a more scalable and cost-effective approach.
The company’s strategy involves deploying a constellation of smaller satellites in LEO, each equipped to collect solar energy and transmit it to Earth using infrared lasers. This modular design allows for iterative development and scalability, addressing many of the limitations associated with previous concepts. By utilizing infrared laser technology, Aetherflux can achieve high power output with relatively small ground stations, making the system more adaptable and efficient.
Funding and Strategic Partnerships
The recent $50 million funding round was led by Index Ventures and Interlagos, with participation from notable investors such as Bill Gates’s Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Andreessen Horowitz, and NEA. This brings Aetherflux’s total funding to $60 million, including a personal investment of $10 million from Bhatt. The capital will be utilized to expand the engineering team and invest in the technology and infrastructure necessary for the upcoming missions.
Aetherflux has partnered with Apex Space to provide the satellite bus for its demonstration mission. The satellite bus serves as the core structure and system of a satellite, providing essential functions such as power, propulsion, and communications. Apex Space’s Aries satellite bus will generate power through solar panels, which Aetherflux’s payload will convert into laser power for transmission to Earth.
Demonstration Mission and Future Plans
The primary objective of the 2026 demonstration mission is to validate the end-to-end process of collecting solar energy in space and transmitting it to Earth. The mission will involve a kilowatt-class spacecraft transmitting power using an infrared laser to a ground station with a spot size of approximately 10 meters. This demonstration aims to prove the feasibility of the technology and lay the groundwork for future, more powerful systems.
Aetherflux is initially targeting defense applications, such as providing power to forward operating bases where traditional fuel supply chains are challenging. The ability to deliver power to remote and hard-to-reach locations offers significant strategic advantages. In the long term, the company envisions expanding its services to power various applications worldwide, including disaster-stricken areas and remote communities lacking reliable electricity.
Challenges and Considerations
Deploying a constellation of satellites in LEO presents certain technical challenges compared to geostationary systems. For instance, LEO satellites move relative to the Earth’s surface, requiring a network that can hand off transmission from one satellite to another to maintain continuous service to a specific location. Additionally, power storage on the satellites will be necessary to ensure operation during periods when they are not in direct sunlight.
Despite these challenges, Aetherflux’s modular and iterative approach offers a promising path forward. By focusing on smaller, more manageable satellites and leveraging existing technologies, the company aims to overcome the barriers that have historically hindered the development of space-based solar power.
Leadership and Vision
Baiju Bhatt’s transition from the financial sector to space technology underscores his commitment to addressing global energy challenges through innovative solutions. Inspired by his father’s career as a NASA scientist and his own background in physics and mathematics from Stanford University, Bhatt is dedicated to bringing the concept of space-based solar power from science fiction to reality.
The Aetherflux team comprises experts from leading organizations such as NASA, SpaceX, Lockheed Martin, Anduril, and the U.S. Navy. This diverse and experienced team is united by a shared passion for space technology and a commitment to developing sustainable energy solutions.
Conclusion
Aetherflux’s recent funding success and ambitious plans for a 2026 demonstration mission represent a significant milestone in the pursuit of space-based solar power. By adopting a modular, scalable approach and leveraging existing technologies, the company aims to overcome longstanding challenges in the field. If successful, Aetherflux could revolutionize energy distribution, providing clean, renewable power to remote and underserved areas worldwide.
