The rapid decline in solar power prices has led to a revolution in renewable energy, but the use of terrestrial space for solar farms raises concerns about taking up green space. To address this issue, the idea of building solar panels in space and beaming the power back to Earth has gained traction. Billionaire Baiju Bhatt, co-founder of Robinhood, has launched a new company called Aetherflux to turn this sci-fi vision into reality. The company aims to build a constellation of power-generating satellites and receiving stations in space.
Aetherflux is not the only company exploring space-based solar power, as several others are also working on similar projects. These ventures focus on launching large arrays of solar panels into high, geostationary orbit to receive sunlight constantly and beam energy back to Earth using various technologies. Aetherflux’s approach involves using infrared lasers to deliver power, which allows for smaller and cheaper satellites, easier scalability, and reduced launch costs. The company’s satellites are designed to circle the planet every 90 minutes, providing continuous power delivery even when out of sunlight.
One advantage of Aetherflux’s approach is the use of existing tools and technologies, eliminating the need for major breakthroughs to make the project a reality. Bhatt’s background in physics and his passion for space exploration have driven his decision to leave his role at Robinhood and focus on Aetherflux. He plans to fund the company’s initial mission with his own fortune, estimated at over $1.5 billion, which involves launching a satellite to test and demonstrate the technology by 2025. However, external funding will be necessary for the project’s continuation and expansion, with potential interest from both private sector investors and government agencies like the Department of Defense.
Aetherflux aims to explore various applications of its space-based power solution, including remote base locations, battlefields, and other scenarios where traditional power infrastructure is challenging to implement. Bhatt envisions his company as part of a larger shift in orbital infrastructure that will support life on Earth in new and innovative ways. As the space exploration industry evolves in the coming years, the benefits of utilizing space-based resources are expected to become more apparent. Aetherflux is at the forefront of this paradigm change, working to demonstrate the feasibility and efficacy of space-based solar power technology.
