As Baiju Bhatt transitioned from his role as Chief Creative Officer at a well-known trading platform, few could have anticipated his next venture: the establishment of a space company that aims to harness technology often overlooked by the aerospace sector. This initiative could potentially redefine the landscape of renewable energy and national security.
Bhatt, who co-founded the trading app in 2013 after completing his master’s degree in mathematics at Stanford, is not concerned about the lack of attention his new venture is receiving. This allows him to operate with less competition as he embarks on his ambitious project, which has already secured $60 million in funding. His company is on a mission to demonstrate that transmitting solar energy from space is not merely a concept of science fiction, but a viable solution for both renewable energy and defense strategies.
“If you’re an aerospace company and haven’t executed projects in space, you’re still aspiring to be one,” Bhatt remarked during a recent event in Menlo Park. “I aim to transition from being an aspiring space company to a fully operational one as soon as possible.”
Bhatt’s fascination with space began in his childhood, influenced by his father, an optometrist in India who eventually became a research scientist at NASA. His father’s unconventional approach to parenting, where he refrained from pushing Bhatt towards physics, ironically sparked his interest in the field. “My dad worked at NASA throughout my childhood, and he was very clear: ‘I won’t tell you to study physics.’ This reverse psychology worked wonders,” Bhatt shared.
Now, at a pivotal moment in his career, Bhatt is poised to make significant strides in the space industry, aiming to create a more substantial impact than he did with his previous venture.
Traditional concepts of solar power in space have revolved around large geostationary satellites that use microwave technology to transmit energy back to Earth. However, Bhatt argues that these projects have consistently been labeled as “20 years away” due to their immense scale and complexity. “The size of the arrays and spacecraft was akin to a small city, which is pure science fiction,” he explained.
In contrast, Bhatt’s approach is more compact and agile. Instead of relying on bulky microwave antennas, his company plans to utilize fiber lasers to convert solar energy into focused light, which can be accurately directed to ground-based receivers. “We collect solar energy with panels, convert it into light using diodes, and then channel that light through a fiber laser to target specific locations on the ground,” he elaborated.
The company aims to launch a demonstration satellite by June of next year, marking a significant milestone in their journey.
Prioritizing National Security
While Bhatt envisions a future where his company operates on an industrial scale, he is initially focusing on national defense applications. The Department of Defense has recognized the potential of Aetherflux’s technology and has approved funding for the program, acknowledging the military advantages of transmitting energy to remote bases without the logistical challenges of fuel transport. “This technology enables the U.S. to maintain energy supplies in combat zones,” Bhatt noted.
The precision of Aetherflux’s technology is noteworthy. The initial goal is to achieve a laser spot on the ground with a diameter of over 10 meters, with aspirations to reduce it to as small as five meters. These lightweight receivers would be strategically insignificant if captured by adversaries and portable enough for battlefield deployment.
While the path ahead is filled with uncertainties, the success of Aetherflux could revolutionize military operations on a global scale.
So, why has no one previously pursued this innovative approach? A study from 2007 highlighted the potential of this technology but failed to spur action. Bhatt views this as an opportunity that an outsider can capitalize on, drawing inspiration from figures like Elon Musk, who have successfully navigated multiple industries. “Having an outsider’s perspective can be advantageous,” he stated.
However, unlike the rapid iteration seen in software companies, the stakes in space hardware are significantly higher. “When we launch a satellite, it must work flawlessly on the first attempt,” Bhatt emphasized. “There’s no room for adjustments once it’s in space.”
To ensure reliability, Aetherflux is adopting a “hardware-rich” strategy, focusing on building and testing components while refining designs. “We can’t afford to wait decades for results; careers are often shorter than that,” he remarked.
Moreover, the implications of Aetherflux’s success extend beyond military applications. Space-based solar power could provide a continuous source of renewable energy, operational day and night, anywhere on the planet. This could transform energy distribution, enabling power access in remote areas without extensive infrastructure and offering emergency power during crises.
The company has assembled a talented team of physicists, mathematicians, and engineers from various prestigious organizations, and Bhatt is actively seeking more talent. “If you’re passionate about tackling challenging problems, we want to hear from you,” he encouraged.
Bhatt has invested significantly in Aetherflux, self-funding the initial $10 million and contributing to a recent funding round that attracted investments from notable venture capital firms. The timeline for launching the demonstration satellite is ambitious, with plans set for just a year from now.
There is a precedent for Bhatt’s vision; GPS began as a DARPA initiative before becoming a vital civilian resource. Aetherflux is collaborating with DARPA’s experts to bridge military and commercial applications, positioning itself for future growth. “Working with the government is crucial in this field,” Bhatt acknowledged. “As technology advances and commercial access to space expands, this will evolve beyond just military applications.”