California Space-Based Solar Startup Aetherflux Raises $50 Million, Focuses on Defense Work
Summary
Aetherflux, a California startup founded by Robinhood co-founder Baiju Bhatt, has raised $50 million in Series A funding and secured its first U.S. government backing to develop a space-based solar power system with a demonstration set for 2026. High-profile individuals including Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev, former SEC commissioner Dan Gallagher, actor Jared Leto, and watchmakers Laurent and Fran\xe7ois-Paul Journe also participated. The FY25 award supports development of a proof-of-concept system that will demonstrate wireless power transmission from low Earth orbit (LEO).According to Aetherflux, the DoD sees space-based solar power as a potential game-changer for military operations in remote or contested regions, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. Unlike ground-based infrastructure, which can be vulnerable to attack or difficult to deploy, solar energy from space offers a resilient and infrastructure-independent source of power.Space solar power could help protect military personnel and assets while cutting operational costs and supporting long-term energy modernization goals, the company noted. Their work builds on decades of research in wireless energy transfer and advanced satellite systems.Were moving with urgency, the company said.