TechCrunch Daily Crunch Billionaire Robinhood co-founder launches a space-based solar power startup
Oct 15, 2024
Baiju Bhatt, co-founder of Robinhood and now founder of Etherflux, dives into the revolutionary potential of space-based solar power. With his physics and math background from Stanford, he unveils Aetherflux's mission to create a constellation of satellites that can collect and transmit solar energy. Bhatt discusses the challenges and innovations in this ambitious venture, including a demonstration mission planned for late 2025 to early 2026. Discover how this startup aims to provide cheap, clean power anywhere on Earth, day or night.
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Novel Space Solar Power Design
- Baiju Bhatt and Etherflux use a different approach to space-based solar power with many small satellites in low Earth orbit.
- This differs from traditional plans with few, large, expensive satellites at geostationary orbit.
Founder Background and New Focus
- Baiju Bhatt founded Etherflux after leaving Robinhood to focus full-time on space solar power.
- His background includes physics, math degrees, and a family connection to NASA.
First Mission to Prove Concept
- Etherflux aims to launch a demonstration satellite by 2025-2026 to prove infrared laser power transmission from space.
- Success could set a distance record and move space solar from theory toward practical reality.