When Baiju Bhatt made the decision to step down from his position as Chief Creative Officer at Robinhood, few could have foreseen his next venture: launching a space company centered around technology that the aerospace industry has largely overlooked, but which holds the potential to be more revolutionary than initially perceived.
Preferring to fly under the radar, Bhatt, who co-founded the trading app Robinhood in 2013 after completing his master’s degree in mathematics at Stanford, sees the lack of attention as an advantage for his new venture, Aetherflux. The company has already secured $60 million in funding as it aims to demonstrate the viability of transmitting solar power from space, challenging conventional notions in both renewable energy and national defense.
Speaking at a JS StrictlyVC event in Menlo Park, Bhatt shared his vision of transitioning Aetherflux from an “aspiring space company” to a full-fledged “space company” in the near future.
Bhatt’s interest in space exploration can be traced back to his childhood, influenced by his father’s work at NASA. Despite his father’s initial reluctance to push him towards physics, Bhatt’s exposure to the space industry from a young age planted the seeds for his current pursuits.
Now, following in his father’s footsteps, Bhatt is embarking on his own space odyssey, aiming to make a more significant impact than his previous endeavors at Robinhood.
Aetherflux’s approach to space solar power diverges from traditional methods, focusing on compact satellites equipped with fiber lasers to transmit solar energy back to Earth. This innovative strategy promises greater efficiency and precision compared to the large-scale projects that have languished in the realm of science fiction.
The company plans to launch a demonstration satellite in June of the upcoming year, marking a significant milestone in its quest for technological advancement.
National security, first
While Aetherflux envisions scaling up to become an industrial energy powerhouse, its initial focus lies on national defense. Securing funding from the Department of Defense underscores the strategic importance of Aetherflux’s technology in providing energy security for military operations.
The precision and portability of Aetherflux’s laser technology offer a tactical advantage, enabling energy transmission to remote bases without the logistical challenges of conventional fuel transport.
Looking beyond military applications, Aetherflux sees the potential for space-based solar power to revolutionize global energy production, offering a reliable and sustainable alternative to traditional sources.
The potential of space-based solar power has long been recognized but remained largely unexplored due to the lack of actionable initiatives. Aetherflux’s outsider perspective, inspired by the likes of Elon Musk, positions it to capitalize on this overlooked opportunity and drive innovation in the space industry.
Unlike the iterative nature of software development, space hardware demands precision and reliability. Aetherflux’s meticulous testing and hardware-rich approach aim to minimize risks associated with space missions and ensure the success of its ambitious endeavors.
As Aetherflux forges ahead with its groundbreaking technology, the possibilities for transforming energy production and enhancing national security are on the horizon, signaling a new era in space exploration and innovation.
Aetherflux: Revolutionizing Energy Distribution for Remote Locations and Emergencies
Aetherflux is shaking up the traditional ways we think about energy distribution by bringing power to remote locations without the need for massive infrastructure investments, as well as providing emergency power during disasters. The company has assembled a team of physicists, mathematicians, and engineers from prestigious institutions such as Lawrence Livermore Labs, Rivian, Cruise, and SpaceX. With plans to expand their team, Aetherflux is on a mission to tackle some of the most challenging energy issues of our time.
Founder and CEO, Bhatt, has invested his own funds into Aetherflux, totaling $10 million, and has also contributed to a recent $50 million funding round led by Index Ventures and Interlagos. The company’s timeline is ambitious, aiming to launch a demonstration satellite within the next year. Despite the challenges ahead, Aetherflux has a clear vision for success.
Aetherflux’s approach draws inspiration from successful projects like GPS, which originated as a DARPA initiative before becoming an essential part of civilian infrastructure. Collaborating closely with DARPA’s Dr. Paul Jaffe, an expert in beaming technology, Aetherflux is tapping into the potential of military applications for commercial purposes. This partnership highlights the importance of government collaboration in advancing innovative technologies.
While Aetherflux acknowledges the significance of working with the government in space-related projects, they are optimistic about the future of commercial space exploration. With advancements in technologies like SpaceX’s Starship, commercial access to space is becoming more feasible, opening up new opportunities for companies like Aetherflux to thrive in the market.
In conclusion, Aetherflux is paving the way for a new era of energy distribution, with a focus on remote locations and emergency situations. By combining expertise from various fields and leveraging government partnerships, Aetherflux is poised to make a significant impact in the energy sector. Stay tuned for more updates on Aetherflux’s groundbreaking work in the coming months.