We collect it in space and send it to Earth. How does this work?
Now the company Aetherflux, created by Baiju Bhatt (co-founder of the Robinhood platform), intends to turn this dream into reality. Aetherflux's mission is to use satellites in low Earth orbit to collect solar energy and transmit it to Earth via an infrared laser.
Aetherflux idea: if we don't wash it, we'll ride it
The basic idea of space energy is simple: in space, solar panels can operate continuously, without overnight interruptions or interference from weather conditions. Theoretically, the Earth can be provided with clean energy around the clock using geostationary satellites or devices in low orbit.
In practice implementation project To cover even 30% of Europe's energy needs would cost billions of euros and require large-scale infrastructure solutions. At best, construction can be completed by the middle of the 21st century. And if there are delays and postponements, then it’s time to remember the joke about donkey, who was taught theology, and the sultan.
Aetherflux is proposing a new approach – instead of deploying a massive network in geostationary orbit 36,000 km away, the company will start with a single satellite at an altitude of about 500 km. It will be built on a commercial basis Apex platforms. It is being developed by the American company of the same name for the rapid assembly of satellites of various sizes and purposes. They can be customized for specific missions and are used primarily for low orbit (LEO) and geostationary orbit (GEO) projects. The product line includes several models, including Aries And Novasuitable for small to medium payloads (weighing between 100 and 500 kg), and GEO Ariesdesigned for geostationary missions.
The satellite is scheduled to launch in 12–15 months with help from SpaceX. It will have solar panels capable of generating about 1 kilowatt of energy. Using an infrared laser, Aetherflux will transmit the collected energy to Earth, where it will be received by a mobile ground station approximately 10 m in diameter.
“Imagining a project the size of a small city in geostationary orbit is beyond my imagination. I think that scale is one of the reasons why the idea of space solar energy remained unclaimed for a long time. Our approach is completely different,” notes Aetherflux chapter.
The test mission will test the basic capabilities of the technology: the safety and efficiency of solar energy collection, its transmission through the atmosphere and its receipt on Earth.
“Our goal is to take the concept of space power from science fiction to reality, starting with a demonstration mission to prove its safety and effectiveness in meeting global energy needs,” speaks Bhatt.
If successful, networks of satellites will be created in the future to provide energy to remote areas where it is not possible to obtain it in any other way in the required volumes.
Here are the main advantages of the project:
Constant source of energy. This has already been discussed above. Unlike solar power plants on Earth, which depend on day and night cycles and weather conditions, space satellites can collect and transmit energy around the clock.
“Clean” energy. It has the potential to replace diesel generators or traditional energy sources such as coal-fired power plants. This would lead to a significant reduction in CO₂ emissions.
Compact receiving stations. Unlike traditional approaches that involve installing large solar panels in geostationary orbit and transmitting energy using microwaves, Aetherflux proposes deploying a network of small satellites with infrared lasers. This method allows energy to be transmitted to compact ground-based receivers, making the system more affordable and scalable.
Not everything is so smooth
The implementation of the project is fraught with serious challenges:
High start-up costs. Space solar power requires significant investment in the development, launch and maintenance of satellites. Maintaining their operation in orbit will also require regular investment. Space “carriage”, i.e. launch vehicles, is not a cheap thing. And here we need money. It takes a lot of finance to deploy a large-scale structure.
Technical difficulties. The transfer of energy through the atmosphere is a complex process associated with losses along the way. Last but not least are safety issues: the rays should not pose a threat to people, animals or aviation.
Satellite maintenance. Developing satellites that can operate stably in orbit requires the use of advanced technologies, including robotics, to assemble and maintain structures in space. Projects of this scale require hundreds of launches, which can create additional problems – both technical and environmental.
Security threats. There is always a risk of hacker attacks on satellites. Something needs to be done about this, too, since intercepting control of an energy satellite is not a toy.
When will dreams become reality?
Space solar energy is considered by scientists, governments and companies as a promising direction. Humanity's access to a constant “clean” source of energy will solve many problems on Earth.
Companies like Aetherflux offer unusual ideas and ways to implement them. In the future, with the successful implementation of the first projects, we may have another source of energy. Now an additional communication channel has emerged – also satellite, from Starlink.
Despite its high cost, technology development challenges, and security concerns, space energy has the potential to become part of the global energy infrastructure. Breakthroughs in robotics, materials science and lower launch costs are bringing this moment closer. We'll probably see other projects in the next 3-5 years besides the pilot from Aetherflux.
