Robinhood Billionaire Launches Aetherflux to Harness Space-Based Solar Energy

Aetherflux’s approach differs from traditional concepts that involve large satellites in geostationary orbit. Instead, it plans to deploy a constellation of small satellites in low Earth orbit. Each satellite will carry solar panels, batteries, and near-infrared lasers to beam energy down to Earth.

Though satellites in low Earth orbit aren’t always exposed to sunlight, deploying thousands can accumulate significant solar energy. The goal is for each satellite to transmit enough power to supply a small neighborhood, potentially transforming access to clean energy.

Bhatt, who holds degrees in physics and mathematics from Stanford University, was inspired by his father’s work with NASA at Langley Air Force Base. After leaving Robinhood, he founded Aetherflux last year to make space-based solar power a reality. “The commercialization of space over the last decade has opened new opportunities,” he said.

The company plans its first demonstration mission for late 2025 or early 2026, partnering with satellite manufacturer Apex. This mission will test solar energy transmission via infrared lasers, potentially setting a new distance record for power transmission.

While space-based solar power remains theoretical, Bhatt is optimistic about its potential. He believes technological advancements could make space solar competitive with terrestrial sources. “Let’s give this technical solution a couple of industrialization revs,” he noted.

Bhatt has invested millions of his own capital into Aetherflux, funding it through the initial mission. Success could usher in a new era of clean, sustainable energy accessible globally, significantly impacting energy consumption and environmental Conservation.

Latest Petitions to Sign:

• Petition: Tell Microsoft to Find A Safer and More Eco-Friendly Power Station to Power Its Data Centers
• Petition: Urge Authorities in Australia to Educate the Public on How to Interact with Wildlife
• Petition: Hold ExxonMobil Accountable for Deceptive Claims About Plastic Recycling
• Petition: Demand Accountability for Groomer Who Killed a Client’s Dog
• Petition: Demand Accountability for Texas Teacher Who Instructed Students to Staple a Live Cat
• Petition: Help Ban the Manufacture and Sale of Kangaroo Leather Products in the United States
• Petition: Hold RFK Jr. Accountable for Illegally Decapitating a Whale with a Chainsaw!
• Petition: Tell Authorities to Address the Harmful Consequences of the Border Wall for Wildlife and Humans
• Petition: Help Ensure the Safety of Koala Populations in Australia from Fire Ants
• Petition: Tell Biden to Reinstate Federal Protections for Gray Wolves

Related Content:

• Solar Grant Stalls as Bureaucracy Binds Yakama Nation’s Renewable Ambitions
• Germany Sees Surge in Balcony Solar Installations Amid Energy Transition
• Michael Phelps Champions Solar Energy for a Sustainable Future
• Solar Electric Vehicle Debuts in San Francisco Aiming for Sustainability Milestone
• India’s Record-Breaking Push for Solar and Wind Energy

Easy Ways to Help the Planet:

• Eat Less Meat: Download Food Monster, the largest plant-based Recipe app on the App Store, to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy. You can also buy a hard or soft copy of our favorite vegan cookbooks.
• Adopt-a-Pet: Visit WildWatchers, a watchdog platform specifically designed for animal, earth, and wildlife warriors to actively give back, rescue, and protect animals and the planet.
• Reduce Your Fast Fashion Footprint: Take initiative by standing up against fast fashion Pollution and supporting sustainable and circular brands like Tiny Rescue that raise awareness around important issues through recycled zero-waste clothing designed to be returned and remade over and over again.
• Support Independent Media: Being publicly funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!
• Sign a Petition: Your voice matters! Help turn petitions into victories by signing the latest list of must-sign petitions to help people, animals, and the planet.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest news and important stories involving animals, the environment, sustainable living, food, health, and human interest topics by subscribing to our newsletter!
• Do What You Can: Reduce waste, plant trees, eat local, travel responsibly, reuse stuff, say no to single-use plastics, recycle, vote smart, switch to cold water laundry, divest from fossil fuels, save water, shop wisely, Donate if you can, grow your food, volunteer, conserve energy, compost, and don’t forget about the microplastics and microbeads lurking in common household and personal care products!