For decades, the idea of collecting and transmitting solar energy via satellites into space has inspired science fiction. Now, Aetherfluxa new startup founded by Baiju Bhattformer co-founder of Robinhoodis taking a concrete step forward towards this vision. Bhatt, enthusiastic about a technology that he considers far from traditional models, declared:
What we are doing at Aetherflux is a novel approach to space solar energy; it is certainly not that of our grandparents’ times.
A different idea of solar energy in space: in low orbit, with thousands of satellites
Aetherflux offers an innovative approach compared to previous attempts that focused on single large satellites in geostationary orbit. Instead, Bhatt plans to launch thousands of smaller satellites into low orbit, each equipped with a solar panel, a battery and an infrared laser to beam energy back to Earth. This method allows a significant amount of energy to be stored, even if each satellite individually does not generate much power. If the project is successful, Aetherflux could potentially serve entire neighborhoods with clean, continuous energy.
Aetherflux aims to launch the first test satellite in late 2025 or early 2026, in collaboration with satellite manufacturer Apex. This first launch will be crucial to verify the ability to transmit solar energy via infrared lasers and, if successful, could set a distance record for space energy transmission.
A personal imprint and a million dollar investment
Bhatt, who has assets of more than $1.7 billion, has already invested millions of his own capital into Aetherflux. His passion for space and his family roots in the sector – Bhatt’s father worked at NASA – led him to focus on this new venture, aiming for an industrialization that could radically transform the energy market.
If the Aetherflux project is successful, space solar power could become a critical element in the transition to clean, renewable energy sources, demonstrating that futuristic innovations can become reality through entrepreneurial vision and private investment.
