Aetherflux Secures $50M to Demonstrate Space-Based Solar Power in 2026

Aetherflux, a space solar startup founded by Robinhood co-founder Baiju Bhatt, has raised $50 million in a Series A funding round to launch its first demonstration mission in 2026. The company aims to build a network of satellites that collect and transmit solar energy to Earth. The startup, based in San Carlos, California, emerged from stealth in October 2024 and has now secured a total of $60 million, including Bhatt’s personal investment of $10 million. The funding round was led by Index Ventures and Interlagos, with participation from Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Andreessen Horowitz, NEA, and notable investors like Jared Leto.

Aetherflux’s technology converts solar energy collected by satellites into laser beams, which are transmitted to photovoltaic ground stations. The first demonstration will test this concept by proving that electricity can be transmitted from space to Earth and used for practical applications. The company is currently developing its first ground station and is considering military locations for the installation. Future plans include deploying small, portable ground stations to provide power to remote areas.

The U.S. Department of Defense has also awarded Aetherflux funding to explore space solar power applications for the military. While similar experiments have been conducted, including a 2023 test by Caltech’s Space Solar Power Project, Aetherflux aims to scale the technology for commercial use.