Reflect Orbital's space mirrors aim to boost green energy
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Reflect Orbital, a California start-up, received US approval on July 9 to launch a giant mirror into space that will reflect sunlight onto Earth's night side. The company plans to deploy 50,000 mirrors by 2035 to provide on-demand daylight for solar power and agriculture. Astronomers warn the mirrors could end ground-based optical astronomy due to light pollution.
The Technology
Reflect Orbital's first satellite, Eärendil-1, will launch later this year into a 625 km orbit. It will deploy a mirror the size of a tennis court but 28 times thinner than a human hair. The mirror will illuminate a 24-square-kilometer patch on Earth, with the light switchable on demand. CEO Ben Nowack calls it a proving ground to demonstrate the technology's benefits.
Astronomer Concerns
Roohi Dalal of the American Astronomical Society says 50,000 satellites would likely end ground-based optical astronomy. The company counters that such claims show a lack of understanding, noting guard rails and ongoing discussions with scientists. Feedback from astronomers has already informed spacecraft design and operational plans.
What's Next
Reflect Orbital plans further test missions and invites independent researchers to study the mirrors' effects. It remains unclear whether the company can scale to 50,000 mirrors by 2035 without causing unacceptable light pollution.
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Reflect Orbital's space mirrors aim to boost green energy
