US firm’s modular satellites set stage for orbit-to-Earth solar power

Last year, Aetherflux, a startup founded by a physicist with a background in financial services, announced it was developing a novel space-based solar power technology.

Instead of the large arrays in geostationary orbit that others have proposed, Aetherflux aims to send a constellation of modular satellites to low Earth orbit.

The company has announced it raised $50 million in a Series A funding round led by Ventures and Interlagos. It aims to launch its first technology demonstrator to orbit by 2026.

Aetherflux’s space solar power technology

Aetherflux announced on April 2 that it raised $50 million in the Series A round. Breakthrough Energy Ventures and NEA also participated in the round, according to a report from SpaceNews.

The space startup first announced its plans last October. The company was founded by CEO Baiju Bhatt, whose father was a NASA scientist. Bhatt himself has a background in financial services. He initially self-funded the firm, providing $10 million of his own money.

Aetherflux’s satellites are designed to collect solar power and then beam it down to Earth using lasers. Traditionally, scientists have proposed using large arrays in geostationary orbit. These would collect solar power and transmit it to Earth using microwave beams at large ground stations.

The key benefit of developing a space-based solar power constellation is that it is modular and can be iteratively improved and scaled. Traditional concepts take more of an “all or nothing” approach that is holding the technology back, according to Bhatt.

Aetherflux to demonstrate technology in orbit by 2026

In a blog post announcing the new funding round, Aetherflux claimed it has demonstrated power transmission in a laboratory setting. Next, it aims to test its technology in space.

Aetherflux’s in-orbit demonstration will use a spacecraft bus provided by Apex. The “kilowatt-class” spacecraft will launch aboard a SpaceX Transporter mission scheduled for 2026.

Once in orbit, the Aetherflux’s demonstrator will beam power back to Earth using an infrared laser with a spot size of 10 meters. The company says it will improve this capacity as it iterates upon its design.

Unlike large arrays in geostationary orbit, which will always be in sunlight, Aetherflux’s satellites will require power storage. The smaller satellites will fly in low Earth orbit, so they must operate at nighttime.

Aetherflux’s ‘urgent’ goal

Aetherflux says the new funding will allow it “to move even faster,” while challenging other nations and organizations in a new space race.

“We’re moving with urgency,” the post continued. “China declared its intent to deploy space solar power systems within the decade. And the European Space Agency is advancing its own space solar power initiative. The United States must prioritize space solar power or risk ceding energy leadership to others.”

Aetherflux has secured government funding through the Defense Department’s Operational Energy Capability Improvement Fund (OECIF). According to the company, that funding will support “a proof of concept demonstrating power transmission from LEO.”