From Robinhood to Orbit: Can This Founder Beam Solar Power to Earth?

Hustler Words – Baiju Bhatt, the co-founder of Robinhood, is aiming for a new kind of disruption. After stepping away from his role as Chief Creative Officer at Robinhood last year, Bhatt launched Aetherflux, a space company focused on a technology the aerospace industry has largely dismissed: beaming solar power from space. This isn’t just another space venture; Bhatt believes it could revolutionize renewable energy and national defense. His ambitious goal? To prove that space-based solar power isn’t science fiction, but the future.

Bhatt’s interest in space stems from his childhood, influenced by his father’s career as a NASA research scientist. His father’s unconventional approach—insisting Bhatt not study physics—ironically sparked his son’s passion for the field. Now, at a similar age to his father when he joined NASA, Bhatt is forging his own path in space, aiming for an even greater impact than his work at Robinhood.

Traditional space solar power concepts rely on massive geostationary satellites and microwave transmission, a complex and costly approach that has kept the technology perpetually in the "20 years away" category. Bhatt’s solution is significantly different. Aetherflux utilizes smaller, more agile satellites employing fiber lasers to convert solar energy into focused light beams, precisely targeting receivers on Earth. This eliminates the need for large, complex microwave antennas.

"We convert solar power into light using diodes, then lasers in fiber optics direct it to the ground," Bhatt explained at a recent hustlerwords.com StrictlyVC event. A demonstration satellite launch is planned for June of next year.

Initially, the focus is on national defense. The Department of Defense is funding Aetherflux’s program, recognizing the strategic advantage of beaming power to forward operating bases, eliminating the logistical challenges of fuel transport. The precision is remarkable; the initial target is a laser spot larger than 10 meters, but Bhatt anticipates shrinking it to 5-10 meters, or even smaller. These compact receivers would be of little strategic value if captured by adversaries, making them ideal for battlefield use.

Aetherflux’s success could fundamentally change American military operations. However, the potential benefits extend far beyond defense. Space-based solar power could provide reliable, renewable baseload energy globally, powering remote locations and offering emergency power during disasters. This could revolutionize energy distribution, eliminating the need for extensive infrastructure in many areas.

The company has assembled a team of physicists, mathematicians, and engineers from leading organizations like Lawrence Livermore Labs, Rivian, Cruise, and SpaceX, and is actively recruiting. Bhatt, who self-funded the initial $10 million and contributed to a subsequent $50 million round led by Index Ventures and Interlagos (including participation from Bill Gates’ Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Andreessen Horowitz, and NEA), is betting big on Aetherflux’s success. The aggressive timeline—a demonstration satellite launch within a year—highlights the company’s determination. This ambitious venture, drawing inspiration from DARPA’s work and the pioneering spirit of Elon Musk, could redefine the future of energy.