Space Solar Startup Aetherflux Raises $50M for 2026 Launch

Aetherflux, led by Robinhood’s Baiju Bhatt, has secured $50M to launch its first space-based solar power satellite by 2026, aiming to deliver clean energy to Earth.

Aetherflux Secures $50M to Turn Space-Based Solar Power Into Reality

In a bold push to redefine the future of clean energy, Aetherflux—a startup led by Robinhood co-founder Baiju Bhatt—has raised $50 million in Series A funding to launch its first satellite in 2026. The California-based company, still in its early stages, is developing space-based solar technology that could one day beam energy directly from orbit to ground stations on Earth. If successful, this futuristic endeavor could revolutionize global energy access, particularly in remote or disaster-prone regions.

From Sci-Fi to Startup: A Vision Sparked by Asimov

The roots of Aetherflux’s vision stretch beyond modern tech ambition. Its founding inspiration dates back to Isaac Asimov’s 1941 short story Reason, which imagined a world powered by energy harvested in space and sent to Earth. Baiju Bhatt, captivated by that concept, is now working to bring it to life—backed by serious engineering, funding, and an all-star team of aerospace veterans.

“The idea that we could power Earth from space has always lived in the realm of science fiction,” Bhatt said in a recent interview. “But the technology is finally catching up. We’re at the point where it’s no longer a question of ‘if,’ but ‘when.’”

Breaking Down the Tech: Laser Power Beamed from Orbit

At the heart of Aetherflux’s innovation is a laser-based energy transmission system. Their upcoming mission aims to demonstrate the entire end-to-end process: collecting solar energy in space, converting it into laser beams, and transmitting it to photovoltaic ground stations on Earth.

To build the satellite, Aetherflux is partnering with Apex Space, using their Aries satellite bus—a modular spacecraft platform that handles essential functions like power generation and communication. The satellite will use solar panels to capture up to a kilowatt of energy, which the payload will convert into laser energy directed at Earth.

On the ground, specially designed receiving stations will capture and convert the laser power into usable electricity. Initially, these ground stations will be fixed installations, likely on military bases where airspace is tightly controlled. But Bhatt envisions a future where compact, portable stations—only 5 to 10 meters in diameter—can be deployed anywhere on the planet, bringing power to underserved areas.

A-Team Behind the Tech: Engineers from NASA, SpaceX, and Beyond

To bring this vision to life, Bhatt has assembled a team with serious credentials. Engineers and researchers from NASA, SpaceX, Lockheed Martin, Anduril, and the U.S. Navy have joined the effort, signaling confidence in the technical feasibility of the mission.

This isn’t Bhatt’s first venture into groundbreaking territory. As co-founder of Robinhood, he helped democratize investing for millions of users. Now, with Aetherflux, he’s aiming for an even bigger frontier—clean energy access on a global scale.

Investors Bet Big on Orbital Energy

The $50 million Series A round was led by Index Ventures and Interlagos, with participation from heavyweight backers like Bill Gates’s Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Andreessen Horowitz, NEA, and even actor Jared Leto. Bhatt himself has invested $10 million into the company, bringing total funding to $60 million.

The funding will be used to scale up operations, hire top-tier engineering talent, and build the infrastructure required for multiple missions. Aetherflux is also developing its first ground station, with site selection currently focused on military-controlled areas to ensure a safe testing environment.

Why Space-Based Solar Power Matters

The concept of harvesting solar energy in space has long fascinated scientists for its potential to solve key limitations of Earth-based systems. Unlike terrestrial solar farms, space solar arrays aren’t affected by weather, clouds, or nighttime—offering a constant and more efficient energy supply.

NASA has been studying space-based solar power since the 1970s. But cost and complexity have always been barriers—until now. Thanks to cheaper satellite manufacturing, advances in laser technology, and increased interest from the public and private sectors, the dream is gaining momentum.

Aetherflux isn’t alone in its pursuit. In 2023, researchers from Caltech’s Space Solar Power Project successfully demonstrated microwave-based wireless energy transfer from low Earth orbit. While groundbreaking, the Caltech demo was primarily a proof-of-concept. Aetherflux’s approach is designed with scalability and commercialization in mind.

Backing from the U.S. Military

The Department of Defense has also taken notice. Aetherflux recently received support through the Operational Energy Capability Improvement Fund, a Pentagon initiative to advance innovative energy technologies for military use. The military’s interest is clear: portable, off-grid power that doesn’t rely on fuel convoys could be a game-changer for deployed forces.

Military applications often serve as a launchpad for wider civilian adoption. GPS, once exclusive to defense, is now a global utility. Space-based solar power could follow a similar trajectory, with the military acting as early adopters before commercial rollout.

Challenges on the Horizon

Despite its promise, the path to commercial viability is steep. Converting solar energy into lasers and beaming it safely to Earth without significant energy loss or atmospheric interference remains a complex engineering challenge. Regulatory hurdles also loom, particularly around high-energy laser transmissions and spectrum allocation.

Then there’s the matter of cost. While satellite technology is becoming more affordable, launching, operating, and maintaining a space-based power system is still a capital-intensive endeavor. Aetherflux will need continued investment and possibly public-private partnerships to scale beyond demonstration.

The Bigger Picture: Clean Energy for All

If Aetherflux’s first mission succeeds, it could usher in a new era of energy distribution—one where power is no longer bound by geography or infrastructure. Remote villages, disaster-stricken zones, and military bases could all benefit from a reliable, renewable power source beamed from orbit.

Bhatt emphasizes that the first goal is simply to light something up on the ground—“to demonstrate that power from space is no longer theoretical.” But beyond that, the implications are immense. Imagine a world where solar energy flows 24/7 from above, bypassing fossil fuels and grid constraints altogether.

Turning Light Into Legacy

Aetherflux is still in its infancy, but it represents a daring leap toward a future shaped by orbital infrastructure. Backed by Silicon Valley’s most prominent investors and a cadre of aerospace experts, the startup is preparing to test the limits of what’s possible in renewable energy.

While the journey ahead is fraught with challenges, the payoff could be transformative. As the world searches for scalable, clean energy solutions, Aetherflux is betting on the stars—not just for inspiration but for power.

(Disclaimer:  This article is based on publicly available information and interviews. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.)

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