Robinhood Cofounder Launches Aetherflux: A Space Startup to Beam Solar Power to Earth

Baiju Bhatt, cofounder of the popular trading app Robinhood, is venturing into the commercial space race with his new startup, Aetherflux. The company aims to launch a constellation of satellites that will collect solar power in space and transmit it back to Earth using infrared lasers, potentially revolutionizing energy access worldwide.

Key Takeaways

• New Venture: Baiju Bhatt has launched Aetherflux, a space startup focused on solar power transmission.
• Innovative Technology: The startup plans to use infrared lasers to beam solar energy from satellites to Earth.
• Future Goals: Aetherflux aims to power remote locations and military operations, with plans for a satellite launch by 2026.

The Vision Behind Aetherflux

Baiju Bhatt co-founded Robinhood in 2013 with the mission to democratize finance. After stepping down as chief creative officer in March 2023, he has shifted his focus to space technology. Aetherflux is designed to create a constellation of satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) that will harness solar energy and transmit it back to Earth.

Bhatt envisions a future where solar power can be delivered to virtually any location, overcoming the limitations of traditional solar farms. The receptors on Earth will be compact, measuring just 10 meters in diameter, allowing for easy installation in remote areas.

Advantages of Space-Based Solar Power

1. Continuous Energy Supply: Unlike ground-based solar farms, space-based systems can capture solar energy without interruptions from weather or nighttime.
2. Land Efficiency: Utilizing satellites for solar power could free up land currently used for solar farms, making it available for other purposes.
3. Remote Accessibility: The technology could provide energy to hard-to-reach areas, enhancing energy access for military and mining operations.

The Path Forward

Aetherflux plans to launch its first satellite by the first quarter of 2026 to demonstrate the feasibility of solar energy transmission. Bhatt believes that capturing solar power in space could yield significantly more energy than ground-based systems, making it a viable solution for global energy needs.

The Space Economy Boom

The commercial space industry is experiencing rapid growth, with private investments soaring to $327.3 billion since 2009. Experts predict that the global space economy could reach $1.8 trillion by 2035. Bhatt's transition from finance to space is part of a broader trend where entrepreneurs are leveraging technological advancements to create new markets and solve pressing problems.

Aetherflux's Unique Approach

Aetherflux aims to differentiate itself from previous attempts at space-based solar power by using infrared lasers instead of microwaves. This modular approach is designed to be more efficient and cost-effective. The company plans to utilize commercially available satellites and high-powered lasers, partnering with SpaceX for its launch.

Bhatt's Commitment to Innovation

Bhatt, who has a background in physics and mathematics, is self-funding Aetherflux, drawing on his wealth from Robinhood's IPO. He is currently assembling a team and developing the necessary technology to make his vision a reality. Despite the challenges of the space industry, Bhatt is determined to succeed, stating, "Space is hard, but we're committed to demonstrating this and making it happen."

As Aetherflux embarks on this ambitious journey, it represents a significant step toward harnessing the power of space for sustainable energy solutions, potentially changing the way we think about energy production and distribution in the future.

Sources

• Robinhood's cofounder has joined the rapidly growing commercial space race, and wants to beam solar power from satellites to earth, Business Insider.