SBSP Company Reports
Aetherflux
By: Aya Ahmad
Updated:
Feb 10, 2026
Emerging from stealth in October 2024, Aetherflux was founded by Baiju Bhatt, cofounder of Robinhood, in San Carlos, CA. Aetherflux is building a space-based wireless power transmission grid and a network of in-space data centers. They plan to deploy a constellation of small satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) that beam energy via optical lasers to portable ground receivers for secure, low-cost energy distribution. While the company ultimately aims to supply power to a broad range of commercial markets, it initially focuses on high-value, remote applications such as military operations. Simultaneously, they are developing the “Galactic Brain,” a data center designed to bypass Earth-based energy bottlenecks.
Technology
Aetherflux satellites collect solar energy, convert it to electricity, and transmit it to Earth using optical laser beams. The system components have space heritage or are used extensively on Earth. On the ground, compact and efficient receivers will integrate directly with grids, microgrids, or battery banks. From the start, Aetherflux has prioritized safety designing satellites to only lock onto verified ground stations for secure and scalable delivery.
Timeline
By mid-2025, Aetherflux has grown to a team of approximately 30 engineers and plans to grow the team more by year’s end. The company is developing its end-to-end system for an initial in-orbit demonstration in 2026. Aetherflux has already conducted laser power-beaming tests in the lab and at ground test ranges, and plans to execute additional testing campaigns to validate system performance leading up to the space demonstration in 2026. Additionally, Aetherflux plans to launch the first commercially available data center node by early 2027. Following this, they plan to mature and scale the technology in 2027 and beyond.
Aetherflux follows a milestone-driven approach, pacing development deliberately for mission success and operational credibility.
Applications
Aetherflux targets scenarios where traditional fuel supply chains prove costly, risky, or impractical, including, military forward operating bases, humanitarian aid zones, and remote research stations. By eliminating reliance on liquid fuel logistics, Aetherflux’s model delivers a scalable, resilient energy supply.
Costs & Funding
Initially self-funded by its founder, Aetherflux has raised $90M in financing, led by Index Ventures and Interlagos, with participation from Breakthrough Energy Ventures, NEA, Andreessen Horowitz, and others. In February 2025, the company secured Operational Energy Capability Improvement Fund (OECIF) support for its AETHER project, advancing defense applications of its technology. Space solar power is possible today, in part due to declining launch costs, which industry believes will continue to decline in the coming years.
Policy
Aetherflux is proactively engaging regulatory stakeholders such as the FAA and FCC on its approach to space solar power. Aetherflux advocates for U.S. leadership in space innovation and supports policies that enhance national competitiveness, security, and technological leadership in the emerging space economy.