Space-Based Solar Energy Might Turn Into Reality in the Coming Years
# From Robinhood to Slinging Photons: Aetherflux and the Future of Space-Based Solar Power
The dream of space-based solar power has lingered in the realm of futuristic aspirations, often likened to nuclear fusion with its potential for limitless clean energy, yet continually seeming just beyond reach. The premise is straightforward: install extensive solar arrays in space, where sunlight is perpetually available without the hindrance of clouds, nightfall, or the Earth’s atmosphere, and transfer that energy back to Earth using microwaves or lasers. However, realizing this vision has proven notoriously challenging, necessitating colossal infrastructure and astronomical expenses.
Now, however, a new contender has emerged, seeking to transform space-based solar power into reality—kicking off with a relatively modest investment. That contender is Baiju Bhatt, co-founder of the well-known trading platform Robinhood, who has redirected his focus towards space and renewable energy. His latest project, Aetherflux, intends to adopt a novel approach to space-based solar power, initiating with small, gradual steps instead of the enormous, city-sized satellites typically associated with this technology.
## The Grand Vision of Space-Based Solar Power
The notion of capturing solar energy from space has existed for decades. For instance, the European Space Agency (ESA) has been examining the idea in recent times as part of its long-term energy framework. Some studies suggest that fulfilling just one-third of Europe’s energy demands through space-based solar power would necessitate a staggering investment—amounting to hundreds of billions of dollars—and a vast network of satellites stationed in geostationary orbit, situated 36,000 kilometers above Earth. Even with such a monumental effort, the system might not become operational until the mid-point of this century.
The appeal of space-based solar power is evident: a constant, clean energy resource that could play a significant role in tackling the global climate crisis. Nevertheless, the initial costs and technical hurdles have kept the concept firmly in the domain of science fiction for the majority of its existence.
## Aetherflux: A New Approach
Enter Baiju Bhatt, who is a trained physicist and seasoned financial entrepreneur. Bhatt co-founded Robinhood back in 2013, a platform that revolutionized stock trading by providing commission-free trades. After resigning from his position as co-CEO in 2020 and departing the company entirely in 2023, Bhatt has shifted his attention to his genuine passion: space.
Aetherflux, Bhatt’s latest venture, is starting on a modest scale, with a team of around 10 employees and plans to launch its inaugural satellite within the next 12 to 15 months. Contrary to traditional designs of space-based solar power, which envision gigantic satellites in geostationary orbit, Aetherflux is commencing its efforts in low-Earth orbit, approximately 500 kilometers above the surface.
The firm’s first satellite will utilize a commercially available bus from Apex and will produce roughly 1 kilowatt of power—sufficient to operate a dishwasher. This satellite will also be fitted with a high-powered infrared laser to transmit the captured solar energy back to Earth, where it will be captured by a mobile ground station about 10 meters in diameter.
While this initial satellite will only supply power for brief intervals as it travels over specific locations, it marks a significant initial step in validating the feasibility of space-based solar power. “We’ve spent considerable time over the past year collaborating with individuals at the Department of Defense and DARPA,” Bhatt stated. “The objective is to conduct a demonstration mission that confirms the core functionalities.”
## The Road Ahead
The primary aim of Aetherflux’s first mission is to examine the safety and efficiency of gathering solar energy in space, transmitting it through the Earth’s atmosphere, and converting it into usable power on the ground. If successful, this demonstration could lead to the development of a constellation of satellites in low-Earth orbit, delivering continuous power to isolated areas like disaster relief locations, off-the-grid mining sites, or military installations.
Bhatt envisions a scenario where space-based solar power might even be utilized for large-scale operations like freight shipping, which currently heavily depends on fossil fuels. “If we can make that business model viable, that’s kind of the starting point to being able to propose, hey, could we implement this in areas like freight shipping?” Bhatt elaborated. “Could we effectively tackle the challenge of conducting freight shipping across vast bodies of water with renewable energy?”
In the long run, Aetherflux aims to enhance the global energy grid by providing a reliable base load of power to support the intermittent nature of terrestrial wind and solar energy. This could play a vital role in the global effort to decarbonize electricity production and combat climate change.
## Challenges and Skepticism
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding Aetherflux’s initiatives, considerable challenges still lie ahead. Space-based solar power has traditionally been a theoretical notion, and although it is expected to work in theory, it has yet to be validated on a large scale.
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