Aetherflux, a California-based company specializing in space-based solar technology, has announced its ambitious plan to establish orbital data centers through the “Galactic Brain” project. This initiative aims to enhance the production of artificial intelligence data centers, which are often constrained by energy demands and lengthy construction timelines on Earth. By deploying a constellation of solar-powered satellites, Aetherflux intends to provide the necessary computing power without the need for extensive terrestrial infrastructure.
The founder and CEO of Aetherflux, Baiju Bhatt, who is also known for co-founding the financial services platform Robinhood, emphasized the significance of computing power in the race for artificial general intelligence. In a press release issued on December 9, 2023, Bhatt stated, “The race for artificial general intelligence is fundamentally a race for compute capacity, and by extension, energy.” The company plans to launch the first node of its Galactic Brain constellation in the first quarter of 2027.
Meeting Growing AI Demands
The announcement comes at a time when the demand for AI computing capacity is surging. Major technology firms, including OpenAI, Google, and Amazon, are increasingly exploring orbital solutions to meet their growing computing needs. Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, commented on the topic in a post on social media platform X, noting that “Satellites with localized AI compute, where just the results are beamed back from low-latency, sun-synchronous orbit, will be the lowest cost way to generate AI bitstreams.”
Aetherflux has been focused on developing space-based solar power since its inception in 2024. The Galactic Brain project aligns with their vision of creating an “American power grid in space.” The company believes that continuous solar power and advanced thermal systems will eliminate the limitations faced by traditional Earth-based data centers. In their release, Aetherflux highlighted that “foundational” power-beaming capabilities will facilitate not only orbital computing but also energy delivery back to Earth.
Innovative Energy Solutions
According to Aetherflux’s design, numerous small satellites will transmit energy via infrared lasers to ground stations. This method allows for efficient distribution of both power and data. The company asserts that their power-beaming technology will be significantly more reliable than conventional solar power generation on the ground, enhancing overall efficiency.
Aetherflux is also planning to launch its first power-beaming demonstration satellite into low Earth orbit in 2026. This mission aims to showcase the viability of their innovative approach to energy generation and distribution, setting the stage for the broader implementation of the Galactic Brain project.
As the landscape of artificial intelligence evolves, Aetherflux’s initiatives could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of computing infrastructure. By harnessing the power of space-based technology, the company aims to not only revolutionize AI data centers but also redefine how energy is generated and utilized on Earth.
