How Baiju Bhatt’s Aetherflux Is Beaming Solar Power from Space
Aetherflux’s Vision: Beaming Solar Power from Space to Earth
Robinhood co-founder Baiju Bhatt is now making headlines for an entirely different reason: beaming solar power from space. After stepping away from his position as Chief Creative Officer at the popular stock-trading platform, Bhatt quietly founded Aetherflux, a startup focused on harvesting solar energy in space and transmitting it to Earth. This concept—long considered speculative even in aerospace circles—is gaining traction thanks to a combination of technological advancements and Bhatt's bold approach. Aetherflux has already raised $60 million in funding, signaling growing investor confidence in this futuristic renewable energy solution.
By positioning solar collectors in orbit, Aetherflux aims to bypass the limitations of terrestrial solar panels, like weather dependency and nighttime disruption. Space-based solar power could theoretically offer continuous energy transmission, potentially revolutionizing the global energy grid. This vision isn't just about clean power—it's also strategically aligned with national security priorities. Governments worldwide, including the U.S. Department of Defense, are increasingly interested in space-based energy for off-grid military operations and resilience against grid disruptions.
Baiju Bhatt’s Journey from Robinhood to Aetherflux
For Bhatt, the shift from fintech to aerospace isn’t as random as it seems. His fascination with space technology runs deep, influenced by his father’s work as a NASA research scientist. Bhatt’s academic background includes a master’s degree in mathematics from Stanford, giving him the analytical foundation to tackle such a complex field. Though he made his name by disrupting traditional finance with Robinhood, his sights are now set on disrupting how the world captures and distributes energy.
At a recent TechCrunch StrictlyVC event in Silicon Valley, Bhatt shared his motivations and long-term goals. He emphasized that most aerospace companies are still “aspiring” space companies until they execute real space-based missions. Aetherflux, he said, intends to skip the waiting line. This urgency reflects his startup ethos from Robinhood—move fast, challenge conventions, and build systems that create long-term impact. Investors seem to believe in his potential to replicate that success, albeit in a much more capital-intensive and technically demanding arena.
Challenges Facing the Beaming Solar Power from Space Industry
Despite its promise, beaming solar power from space is not without significant hurdles. First, there's the engineering challenge of safely and efficiently converting solar energy into microwaves or lasers for transmission, and then reconverting it back to electricity on Earth. There are also potential safety concerns around directed energy beams, interference with aircraft or satellites, and the large infrastructure required on both ends. Launching solar panels into orbit is currently expensive, and while launch costs have dropped due to reusable rockets, they still pose a financial barrier to entry.
Moreover, policy and public perception could impact adoption. Regulatory frameworks for space-based power transmission remain underdeveloped, and governments will need to establish new international protocols for energy transmission in outer space. Aetherflux must also win public trust—many still view the concept as science fiction or too risky. That said, several nations including China and Japan have already initiated pilot projects, indicating that Bhatt’s venture is not alone in its ambitions.
Why Beaming Solar Power from Space Could Shape the Future of Clean Energy
If Aetherflux succeeds, it could mark a turning point in the renewable energy revolution. Beaming solar power from space provides a 24/7 energy supply, unaffected by clouds, seasons, or time of day. For countries with limited access to solar resources or those dependent on imported energy, this technology could offer unprecedented energy independence. The strategic implications are equally profound: space-based solar stations could power remote military bases, aid disaster-struck regions, or support lunar and Martian exploration.
Aetherflux’s journey is still in its early stages, but it reflects a larger trend: technologists from outside traditional industries bringing new thinking into old problems. By blending entrepreneurial daring with aerospace ambition, Bhatt is showing that the boundaries between sectors are increasingly fluid—and that solving the world’s hardest problems may require cross-disciplinary innovation. Whether or not Aetherflux becomes a commercial success, it has already reignited conversation around an idea whose time may finally have come.
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