This company’s plans to deploy space mirrors could jeopardize the night sky for many
Reflect Orbital plans to launch satellites that reflect sunlight to Earth, but astronomers warn that these beams will severely disrupt night sky observations. Research indicates that the light scattering from these satellites could be as bright as the full moon, threatening the future of ground-based astronomy.
Why it matters
The conflict illustrates the tension between commercial space ventures and the preservation of scientific and environmental resources.
Reflect Orbital’s giant beams will shine as bright as 10,000 full moons and scatter light over tens of kilometers.
A company that plans to beam sunlight from space to Earth on demand might unintentionally brighten the night sky for many more people than intended, according to a new study.
Later this year, the US company Reflect Orbital plans to launch a test satellite called Eärendil-1 that will extend an 18-by-18-meter mirror in orbit. The goal is to test the feasibility of the company’s plans to launch up to 50,000 larger satellites, measuring 54 by 54 meters, and reflect sunlight to Earth on demand.
The case for doing this remains somewhat uncertain, but Reflect Orbital has said the goal is to prolong the hours of sunlight for various uses, including solar panel charging, emergency response, and military activities.
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