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.
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