Trump Or Not, Space Solar Power Is Happening

The article discusses the emerging development of space-based solar power as a response to terrestrial challenges, particularly under the Trump administration's restrictive policies on solar energy. Despite President Trump's efforts to limit solar power accessibility on Earth—such as halting permits for solar projects on federal lands—entrepreneurs like the California startup Aetherflux are innovating by harvesting solar energy directly from space. Founded by Baiju Bhatt, co-founder of Robin Hood, Aetherflux aims to launch its first commercial space solar power system in early 2027, with plans to expand into a constellation of nodes. This system, called "Galactic Brain," intends to provide continuous, weather-independent solar energy and also support space-based data centers, bypassing the lengthy terrestrial infrastructure development timelines. The article highlights the broader context of the U.S. solar industry’s struggles under restrictive federal policies, noting that 143 solar companies have collectively urged Congress to revise permitting processes that currently hinder solar project development. Bhatt emphasizes that the race for artificial