Startup wants space mirrors to illuminate the night

The moon might soon have a corporate competitor. Startup Reflect Orbital plans to launch low-orbit satellites with giant mirrors shining sunbeams down to earth at night, which it says could power solar panels, reduce seasonal depression, and illuminate city streets or rescue sites.

The California-based company is currently waiting for a regulatory greenlight from the FCC, with the public having the opportunity to comment until next week. If it wins approval, Reflect Orbital might launch a test satellite as soon as this summer. By 2030, it aims to have 5,000 mirrored satellites delivering nocturnal sunlight to specific miles-long areas for paying customers like solar farms.

Darkness defenders

But there’s much daylight between the company and its critics—many of whom warn the glow would reach beyond targeted areas:

• Astronomers say the mirrors would exacerbate light pollution, inhibiting professional stargazing.
• Wildlife experts worry a sunlit night could disorient animals.
• Others say the mirrors might disrupt human sleep or create light flashes with the potential to blind pilots.

Some skeptics argue the vision is a pie in the sky since the reflected sunlight won’t be enough to power solar panels.

But…one astronomer told the New York Times the concept might be better suited for solar power on the moon, which has two-week-long nights and no atmosphere to dilute the sunbeams.—SK