Baiju Bhatt, co-founder of the popular trading app Robinhood, has set his sights on a new frontier: space-based solar power. His latest venture, Aetherflux, aims to revolutionize the energy sector by harnessing solar power in space and beaming it back to Earth using advanced satellite technology.

The ambitious project envisions a constellation of satellites equipped with solar panels that would collect solar energy continuously, unimpeded by Earth's atmosphere or day-night cycles. This energy would then be transmitted to Earth using infrared laser technology, potentially providing a constant, clean energy source.

This move comes at a time when the global space economy is experiencing rapid growth. A recent McKinsey report projects that the sector could reach a valuation of $1.8 trillion by 2035, highlighting the increasing commercial interest in space-based technologies and resources.

The concept of space-based solar power is not new, but recent advancements in satellite technology, laser transmission, and reduced launch costs have made it more feasible than ever. If successful, Aetherflux's technology could offer a game-changing solution to the world's energy needs, providing a virtually limitless source of clean power.

However, the project faces significant technical and regulatory challenges. The efficiency of power transmission from space, the cost of launching and maintaining a satellite constellation, and potential environmental impacts are all factors that will need to be addressed.

For energy traders and analysts, this development signals a potential long-term shift in the energy landscape. While still in its early stages, space-based solar power could eventually compete with traditional renewable energy sources and fossil fuels, potentially disrupting current energy market dynamics.