Solar Power Beamed from Space

Powering Earth from the Sky

Aetherflux, a California-based renewable energy startup founded by Baiju Bhatt—co-founder of Robinhood—aims to transform how energy is collected and delivered. The company’s mission: to harvest solar energy in space and beam it to Earth using compact satellites and precision infrared lasers.

How It Works—A Modular Space Solar Network

Instead of relying on massive geostationary solar platforms, Aetherflux will deploy a constellation of modular solar-powered satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO). These smaller units make the system scalable and easier to test iteratively.

Power is transmitted to Earth using infrared laser beams, drawing energy to compact ground receivers only 5–10 meters in diameter—far more precise and less bulky than microwave systems.

Initially, satellites will be equipped with onboard energy storage to enable continuous power delivery—even while passing through orbital night.

Real-World Applications & Strategic Impact

Aetherflux is not just conceptual—its immediate goals are concrete and strategic:

• Military Resilience: Power remote forward-operating bases and field missions without fuel convoys or terrestrial infrastructure, enhancing safety and logistics.
  

• Disaster Relief & Remote Communities: Provide reliable, off-grid power to disaster zones, islands, and isolated research or mining sites where traditional infrastructure is limited or fragile.
  

From Vision to Orbit: Development Timeline & Funding

• The company publicly surfaced in late 2024, with Bhatt backing it personally and hiring industry experts.
  

• In April 2025, Aetherflux raised $50 million in Series A funding, co-led by Index Ventures, Interlagos, Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Andreessen Horowitz, NEA, and other investors. Total capitalization now exceeds $60 million.
  

• A test mission in early 2026 will launch a ‘kilowatt-class’ satellite aboard SpaceX’s Transporter, using a bus from Apex to beam solar power via infrared laser to a 10-meter receiver on Earth.
  

• Notably, the U.S. Department of Defense has also provided early funding for Aetherflux's proof-of-concept project.

Why It Matters

• Scalable & Flexible: Building small, iteratively deployable satellites in LEO avoids the high-risk “all-or-nothing” model of traditional space solar power.
  

• Technological Momentum: Advancements like reusable launchers, affordable satellite buses, and optical tech make this era fertile for space solar deployment.
  

• Energy on Demand: EBSP (Energy from space) offers continuous, weather-proof energy—ideal for mission-critical and underserved locations.