Aetherflux Joins Orbital Data Center Race with Space Solar Power Initiative
Space-based solar power startup Aetherflux is entering the race for orbital data centers. This initiative aims to address the increasing energy demands of artificial intelligence computing. Major players like SpaceX and Amazon already explore similar concepts. Aetherflux’s announcement, made on December 9, reveals plans for its first low Earth orbit (LEO) “Galactic Brain” data center node.
Aetherflux’s Galactic Brain Initiative
The Galactic Brain data center is set for deployment in the first quarter of 2027. Aetherflux plans to launch thousands of satellites to enhance performance. The California-based company claims this will be its first commercially viable orbital compute node, utilizing continuous solar power and advanced cooling techniques.
Technical Features
The proposed node will employ optical inter-satellite links. These links will help maintain continuous service levels similar to terrestrial servers, as stated by an Aetherflux spokesperson. The spokesperson emphasized that the initiative builds on foundational technologies in space-based laser systems and efficient power management.
Innovative Approach to Energy Transmission
- Aetherflux plans to deploy a small satellite from Apex, California.
- This satellite will beam energy wirelessly from LEO to Earth using infrared lasers.
- The approach deviates from traditional concepts that rely on large geostationary platforms transmitting energy via microwaves.
Funding and Interest
In April, Aetherflux secured $50 million in Series A funding to support its solar power constellation. This funding has garnered attention from early military interests in utilizing solar power for remote or contested areas. The U.S. Department of Defense has also awarded funds for proof-of-concept demonstrations of power transmission from LEO.
Insights from Aetherflux Leadership
Founder and CEO Baiju Bhatt highlighted the urgency of energy solutions in the race for artificial general intelligence. He stated that existing energy strategies are inadequate for meeting the growing demands of compute capacity. The Galactic Brain aims to provide a streamlined energy solution by utilizing solar power directly in space.
Broader Industry Context
Aetherflux’s announcement aligns with a broader industry movement towards orbital computation. Other startups, such as Starcloud, have initiated satellite deployments aimed at running AI models in orbit. Additionally, innovations from SpaceX and Amazon emphasize the potential for gigawatt-scale data centers in space within the next 10 to 20 years.
As the competition for advanced computing power intensifies, Aetherflux’s venture into orbital data centers could revolutionize how energy is harnessed and utilized in space.
