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Startup Aetherflux Secures $50 Million to Advance Space-Based Solar Power Concept
WASHINGTON D.C. — A pioneering startup, Aetherflux, focusing on an innovative approach to space-based solar power generation, has successfully raised $50 million in funding. This financial boost will propel the company towards its inaugural demonstration mission, scheduled for next year.
Aetherflux announced on April 2nd the successful closure of a $50 million Series A funding round. The investment was spearheaded by Index Ventures and Interlagos, with significant participation from other notable investors including Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Andreessen Horowitz, and NEA.
Novel Concept for Space Solar Energy Collection
The company unveiled its plans last October to establish a constellation of satellites designed to capture solar energy and transmit it back to Earth via laser technology. This strategy represents a significant divergence from conventional space-based solar power systems. Prior models typically envisioned massive spacecraft operating in geostationary orbit, employing microwaves to beam power to rectenna installations on the ground.
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Iterative Approach to Overcoming Design Limitations
Baiju Bhatt, founder and chief executive officer of Aetherflux, stated in a prior interview that the “all or nothing” nature of earlier designs was a primary impediment to progress in this field, despite the concept being initially proposed over half a century ago. He emphasized that the previous design’s inherent limitation was its lack of iterative development potential.
Bhatt initially provided approximately $10 million of his own capital to launch the venture. He is also recognized as the co-founder and former co-CEO of Robinhood, a financial services corporation.
Funding to Accelerate Demonstration Mission and Technology Advancement
In its announcement regarding the latest funding round, Aetherflux confirmed successful power transmission demonstrations in laboratory settings. The company is actively progressing towards a demonstrative mission launch targeted for 2026. According to Aetherflux, the newly acquired funding will expedite their progress, although further specifics were not disclosed.
Defense Sector Identified as Key Early Market
Aetherflux has pinpointed the defense sector as a primary early adopter of its technology, particularly for delivering power to forward operating bases. This application aligns with recommendations from a 2007 report by the former National Security Space Office on space-based solar power. However, the Defense Department did not previously implement the report’s suggestions.
Government Funding for Proof-of-Concept Study
The company revealed it has also secured government funding through the Defense Department’s Operational Energy Capability Improvement Fund (OECIF) to support a study related to its innovative concept. Aetherflux indicated that this funding would facilitate a proof-of-concept demonstration of power transmission from Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
The precise amount of government funding was not disclosed. Public records from the OECIF website indicate that the project is among 45 approved for funding, but specific financial details for individual projects or the overall program are not provided.
Investor Acknowledges Challenges, Expresses Confidence
Jan Hammer, a partner at Index Ventures, an investor in Aetherflux’s Series A round, recognized the substantial hurdles associated with space-based solar power. In a statement reflecting on a conversation with Bhatt, Hammer noted the seemingly immense complexity of the venture – encompassing satellite launches equipped with solar panels into orbit and the wireless power transmission across vast distances, not to mention regulatory and compliance considerations.
Despite these challenges, Hammer conveyed confidence in Aetherflux’s approach to overcoming these obstacles. He characterized the investment as a significant but calculated risk, expressing faith in the founder’s capabilities, the importance of the problem being addressed, and the practicality of the proposed plan. Hammer concluded, “The future of energy is in space.”