Space-Based Solar Power with Aetherflux CEO Baiju Bhatt 02/13/25
Feb 13, 2025
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Baiju Bhatt, co-founder of Robinhood and now CEO of Aetherflux, aims to revolutionize energy with space-based solar power. He discusses the innovative technology of satellites harnessing solar energy and transmitting it via infrared lasers. Bhatt reflects on his journey from finance to this ambitious energy solution, inspired by a family legacy in physics and space. The conversation highlights the potential of this technology to meet growing energy demands on Earth and its transformative impact on sustainable energy.
Baiju Bhatt's Aetherflux aims to revolutionize energy production by utilizing a constellation of satellites to beam solar power back to Earth.
The transition from financial technology to space energy highlights the importance of innovative solutions to meet escalating global energy demands.
Deep dives
Revolutionizing Space Solar Power
Aetherflux aims to transform the power grid through innovative space solar power technology. Instead of creating a single large solar array in orbit, the company is developing a constellation of smaller satellites that collect solar energy while in low Earth orbit. These satellites will transmit the energy back to Earth using infrared lasers, effectively beaming power to ground stations. This approach not only draws on older NASA concepts but also leverages advancements in technology to make the idea feasible today.
The Vision Behind Aetherflux
Beju Bhatt, the founder of Aetherflux, draws inspiration from his background and passion for the commercialization of space. Having co-founded Robinhood, he transitioned towards space exploration, fueling his ambition to unlock new commercial opportunities in this field. His vision is to harness the extensive capabilities of space to provide sustainable energy solutions on Earth, particularly to regions where traditional power infrastructure is challenging to implement. This aligns with emerging market needs for decentralized and reliable energy sources amid growing global power demands.
Innovating via Testing and Collaboration
Aetherflux emphasizes rigorous testing and collaboration with organizations like DARPA and the DOD to enhance its technology development. The company's goal is to demonstrate the capability to beam power from space to Earth by 2026, starting with terrestrial tests to ensure safety mechanisms are fully functional. As the technology matures, Aetherflux plans to address various practical applications, including military operations and remote locations that lack conventional power infrastructure. Through these experiments, Aetherflux aims to refine their technology continuously to scale it for broader commercial use.
A Future Powered by Space
The potential of space solar power envisions a future where energy generation is freed from terrestrial limitations. Aetherflux's approach signifies a paradigm shift, allowing for greater energy production capabilities without relying on land-based resources. This shift could lead to a network of solar satellites continually supplying power to meet Earth's energy needs, even during nighttime. The overarching goal is to create a sustainable, worldwide distribution of energy sourced from space, facilitating a new era of technological innovation and addressing escalating energy demands.
Baiju Bhatt, co-founder of Robinhood, has set his sights on a new moonshot: space-based solar power. His new venture, Aetherflux, looks to hone solar power through a constellation of satellites—where each payload will transmit power to ground stations via infrared lasers. He joins Morgan Brennan to discuss his transition from financial technology to space, his vision for the technology, and what it could mean for surging energy demand on earth.
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