Energy Beyond Earth
Aetherflux is taking a fresh approach to space-based solar power (SBSP), distancing itself from traditional concepts that relied on massive geostationary
platforms to transmit energy via microwaves. Instead, the company is positioning itself to revolutionize the market with orbital data centers. This strategic pivot aligns with the rising demand for efficient computing power, particularly for artificial intelligence (AI). The company’s founder, Baiju Bhatt, highlights the critical connection between the pursuit of artificial general intelligence (AGI) and energy capacity. Aetherflux believes that placing sunlight directly alongside silicon, thus bypassing the power grid, offers a more efficient path forward. The company’s vision is supported by the growing interest in remote and contested environments, for which the Department of Defense has also provided funding for a proof-of-concept demonstration of power transmission from LEO.
Aetherflux's Strategy
Aetherflux secured a $50 million Series A venture funding round in April to boost its SBSP constellation plans. This funding supports the development of its 'Galactic Brain' data center node. The company's strategy involves utilizing its expertise in space-based laser systems, precision targeting, and high-efficiency power management to construct this infrastructure. According to the company, orbital compute and power beaming are intrinsically linked, both being essential components of a robust, space-based energy ecosystem. Aetherflux plans to deploy a small satellite in the coming year from California’s Apex. This satellite will wirelessly beam energy from LEO to the ground using infrared lasers. This project demonstrates Aetherflux's hands-on approach to developing and demonstrating its technology.
Orbital Compute Landscape
The field of orbital data centers is gaining momentum, attracting interest from companies like SpaceX and Amazon. SpaceX's CEO, Elon Musk, has suggested the potential to scale Starlink V3 satellites into orbiting data centers, while Jeff Bezos predicts that gigawatt-scale data centers will be deployed in space within the next decade or two. This trend aligns with the increasing interest in harnessing space for data processing. Other companies are also involved in developing similar technologies. For instance, Starcloud recently launched a small satellite carrying an Nvidia processor for running AI models in orbit, and China is proposing to deploy a 2,800-satellite constellation for large-scale orbital compute. These concurrent developments emphasize the competitive landscape and the growing potential of space-based data centers.
Galactic Brain Launch
Aetherflux announced its plans to deploy its first LEO 'Galactic Brain' data center node. This initial launch is scheduled for the first quarter of 2027, with the deployment of thousands of additional satellites planned to follow. These satellites are designed to improve performance and enhance the capabilities of the orbital compute network. The spacecraft is described as the company’s first commercially viable orbital compute node. It leverages continuous solar power and radiative cooling to support high-density processing in space. An Aetherflux spokesperson highlighted that the node will utilize optical inter-satellite links and emerging relay networks to provide continuous availability comparable to terrestrial servers. This approach ensures a reliable and robust system for supporting high-density processing needs in space.
