“Launch of Squadron 42 Pushed Back to 2026, Falling Short of Initial Goal by 11 Years”

# **The Extended Path to Fulfillment: Star Citizen’s Solo Campaign “Squadron 42″**

For more than ten years, **Roberts Space Industries (RSI)** has been engaged in one of the most ambitious video game ventures ever imagined—**Star Citizen**. Originally kicked off as a crowdfunding initiative in 2012, the game has evolved into a representation of both the opportunities and challenges associated with crowdfunded projects. Central to this vast space simulation is **Squadron 42**, the single-player campaign that aims to deliver a cinematic, story-driven experience. Nevertheless, after years of development and multiple postponements, the game remains far from its final launch.

In 2022, RSI declared that **Squadron 42** was “feature complete” and had moved into its “polish phase.” However, as of 2023, the game still hasn’t reached readiness for release, with the newest projections indicating a launch sometime in **2026**. This article explores the background, hurdles, and present status of **Squadron 42** and its overarching project, **Star Citizen**.

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## **A Decade of Progress: The Path to Now**

### **The Birth of Star Citizen and Squadron 42**

**Star Citizen** was first unveiled to the public in 2012 by **Chris Roberts**, known for the classic **Wing Commander** franchise. Roberts envisioned creating the ultimate space simulation title, integrating aspects of exploration, combat, and trading within a persistent online world. Alongside this grand multiplayer vision, **Squadron 42** was imagined as a focused, narrative-centric single-player experience.

The project swiftly gained momentum, generating over **$6.3 million** in its initial crowdfunding round, shattering records at that time. Over the subsequent years, that figure has surged to an astounding **$731 million** as of 2023, making **Star Citizen** the most financed crowdfunding project in history.

### **Postponed Timelines and Holdups**

Despite the substantial financial support, **Star Citizen** and **Squadron 42** have faced constant delays. The original target for **Squadron 42** was set for **2015**, but as development continued, it became evident that the project’s scale was significantly larger than initially expected.

In **2016**, RSI released an updated production timeline that extended the anticipated release date, forecasting a complete launch of **Star Citizen** by the end of **2016**. However, that date passed without the game’s release, keeping it in alpha status. By **2022**, RSI announced that **Squadron 42** was “feature complete” and had entered the “polish phase.” Nonetheless, as of **2023**, the game is still unprepared for launch, with the latest forecast hinting at a **2026** debut.

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## **CitizenCon 2023: A Sneak Peek of Advancements**

At **CitizenCon 2023**, RSI founder and CEO **Chris Roberts** took the stage to present a roughly hour-long prologue of **Squadron 42**. The demonstration provided a sneak peek into the game’s 30- to 40-hour storyline, but it was not without its flaws. Reports from **IGN** indicated that the live demo faced “multiple crashes, glitches, and visual issues,” highlighting the necessity for additional refinement.

“We did say we were doing it live, courting the demo gods, and they unleashed their wrath upon us,” Roberts remarked onstage. Despite the technical difficulties, Roberts conveyed optimism that the game would be prepared for release in **2026**. “Both the team and I are confident of delivering this game to you in 2026. Clearly, you can see it’s not going to be tomorrow given the few crashes we experienced,” he added.

The demo’s technical setbacks echoed earlier live presentations, such as the **2014 PAX East** demo of **Star Citizen’s Arena Commander** module. At that event, developers were observed recompiling the game in real-time to resolve crashes in front of an audience. The **Arena Commander** module, initially expected for release in **May 2014**, was ultimately delayed until **December 2014**.

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## **The Fundraising Phenomenon: $731 Million and Growing**

One of the most extraordinary elements of **Star Citizen’s** development is the immense amount of funds raised through crowdfunding. As of **2023**, the project has accumulated over **$731 million** from supporters, many of whom have invested substantial amounts in virtual ships and various in-game assets.

This crowdfunding strategy has enabled RSI to maintain development without the constraints of adhering to conventional publishing deadlines. In a **2012 pledge**, RSI assured supporters that crowdfunding would allow the team to “prioritize quality without the

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.

Mercedes-Benz Unveils Electric Vehicle Battery Recycling Plant

# Recycling EV Batteries: An Eco-Friendly Approach for the Future

As the electric vehicle (EV) movement picks up momentum, addressing the fate of used EV batteries has become a crucial concern. Fortunately, recycling these batteries is not only feasible but also highly advantageous. In fact, repurposing old EV batteries to create new ones is a smart choice from both environmental and economic viewpoints.

## Mercedes-Benz at the Forefront of Battery Recycling

Recently, Mercedes-Benz garnered attention by launching its inaugural battery-recycling facility in Kuppenheim, Germany. The facility utilizes an innovative “integrated mechanical-hydrometallurgical” method for recycling, which enables the recovery of over 96% of the precious minerals and metals contained in EV batteries. This includes essential materials such as cobalt, nickel, and lithium, which are vital for manufacturing new batteries.

Ola Källenius, chairman of the board of management at Mercedes-Benz Group, remarked that the new facility marks an important step in the company’s commitment to producing desirable vehicles sustainably. “Along with our partners from the industry and academia, we are signaling strong innovative capability for sustainable electric mobility and value creation in Germany and Europe,” Källenius stated.

### The Recycling Procedure

The recycling procedure at the Kuppenheim facility starts with shredding battery modules. The shredded components are then mechanically sorted into various elements, such as plastics, copper, aluminum, and iron. The leftover material, known as “black mass,” contains valuable metals, including cobalt, nickel, and lithium. Subsequently, this black mass is processed through a hydrometallurgical method, utilizing chemicals to extract these metals for reuse in manufacturing new batteries.

A remarkable feature of the plant is its use of renewable energy. The facility operates completely on electricity produced by solar panels, setting a standard for sustainable industrial practices. Despite its current capacity of 2,756 tons (2,500 tonnes) annually being relatively limited, Mercedes-Benz intends to leverage insights gained from this site to expand its recycling initiatives in the future.

## The Significance of Closing the Loop

Transitioning to battery recycling is not solely about promoting sustainability; it also aims at securing supply chains. The minerals used in EV batteries are frequently obtained from regions with questionable labor practices, particularly in the case of cobalt. By recycling these materials, automakers can lessen their dependence on ethically dubious sources and foster more robust, regional supply chains.

Moreover, global supply chains have exhibited vulnerability to disruptions, whether stemming from geopolitical issues like invasions or logistical challenges such as the notorious Suez Canal blockage. By recycling batteries and sourcing materials locally, car manufacturers can diminish these risks and maintain a more consistent supply of essential materials.

## The Recyclability of EV Batteries

Contrary to some beliefs, EV batteries are highly recyclable. In fact, some research indicates that recycled battery minerals can even outperform newly sourced materials. This is a notable discovery, as it implies that recycled batteries could not only lessen environmental impact but also enhance the performance of upcoming EVs.

### What About the U.S.?

While Mercedes-Benz is making strides in Germany, the U.S. is also advancing in battery recycling. Several automakers, including Ford, Volvo, Volkswagen, and BMW, have teamed up with Redwood Materials, a startup created by former Tesla CTO JB Straubel. Redwood Materials specializes in the recycling of EV batteries and has already secured agreements with major manufacturers to recycle their North American battery packs.

General Motors (GM) has also joined this initiative, recently finalizing a partnership with Redwood to recycle battery waste generated during the manufacturing process. This collaboration highlights a significant challenge in the current landscape of battery recycling: EV batteries tend to last much longer than most individuals realize. Thanks to sophisticated battery temperature management systems, the majority of EV batteries maintain most of their charge even after 8–10 years of operation.

### A Second Chance for EV Batteries

Before the need for recycling arises, many EV batteries can be adapted for alternative uses. For instance, batteries that are no longer fit for vehicles can still serve in static energy storage applications. In California, used car batteries have been repurposed to deliver 25 MWh of energy storage for the grid, showcasing the potential for second-life applications.

In 2022, Redwood Materials received fewer than 1,300 EV battery packs for recycling, mainly because most EV batteries are still in service or being repurposed. However, the company has already achieved success in recycling lithium-ion batteries from consumer electronic devices, such as smartphones and laptops. This expertise will prove crucial as the number of EV batteries needing recycling rises in the coming years.

## The Path Forward

As the EV market continues to expand, so will the demand for effective battery recycling solutions. Companies like Mercedes-Benz and Redwood Materials are paving the way, illustrating that recycling EV batteries is not only achievable but also advantageous for both the environment and the economy.

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