Hey folks, Nuked here! Let’s dive into an exciting story about how space tech is shaking up our energy game.
Baiju Bhatt, known as the Robinhood co-founder, is now aiming for the stars—literally. After leaving Robinhood, he’s venturing into space with a bold project called Aetherflux, which aims to beam solar energy from space using innovative laser technology.
Unlike old-school ideas that required enormous satellites and complex microwave beams, Bhatt’s strategy is more compact and efficient. His satellites will use fiber lasers to send focused light to Earth, turning solar power into laser beams that can reach small, portable receivers.
This approach is not only more feasible but also targets national security first. The U.S. Department of Defense has already funded the project, recognizing the military benefits of remote power delivery without fuel logistics. Bhatt hopes to prove that this could revolutionize energy supply for military bases and beyond.
Bhatt’s fascination with space stems from his childhood when his father, a NASA researcher, inspired him. Now, at a similar age, Bhatt is making his own mark by launching a company that might change how Earth consumes energy—possibly turning it into a 24/7 renewable resource and transforming disaster relief and remote power access.
The project plans to demonstrate a satellite next year, which could pave the way for a new era in space-based solar energy. Bhatt emphasizes the importance of building reliable hardware because in space, there’s no room for mistakes—what launches goes, stays, and has to work on the first try.
Inspiration from Elon Musk and a pragmatic approach to hardware development are guiding Bhatt’s mission. His company already involves top engineers from such notable organizations and is rapidly progressing toward its goals.
With backing from major investors and close ties with DARPA, Aetherflux’s vision is clear: create a new energy frontier that could provide clean, reliable power globally and help the U.S. stay ahead in space technology.