Space mirrors could outshine the full moon, and the scientific community is alarmed
Startup Reflect Orbital has received FCC approval to launch a satellite prototype designed to reflect sunlight to Earth at night. The scientific community has expressed concerns regarding the potential for increased light pollution and disruption to wildlife.
Why it matters
The project raises ethical and environmental questions about the commercialization of the night sky and the impact of orbital technology.
Reflect Orbital aims to capture sunlight on demand with satellite and ground-based technology. A new preprint study suggests the satellite-based mirrors could light up the night sky significantly more than intended.
4 min What if the night sky always appeared moon-lit? Reflect Orbital, a startup tech company out of California, has gotten approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to launch a prototype satellite to effectively beam down solar radiation on demand. The solution hinges on a constellation of satellites in orbit, affixed with giant mirrors designed to reflect sunlight to giant Earth-based solar panels.
Reflect Orbital’s aims to launch a network of up to 50,000 mirror-equipped satellites by 2035 in order to better leverage solar radiation and decrease reliance on fossil fuels.
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