Reflect Orbital gains FCC approval for nighttime sunlight mirror
A 59-foot reflective satellite, dubbed Eärendil-1, will soon attempt to redirect sunlight toward the Earth's surface after dark. The US Federal Communications Commission has authorized the California-based startup Reflect Orbital to deploy this prototype, setting the stage for a controversial experiment in orbital illumination.
The project aims to provide on-demand light for sectors ranging from agriculture to emergency response. By 2035, the company intends to scale this initiative into a constellation of 50,000 satellites, theoretically capable of illuminating three-mile zones on the ground. While the startup highlights benefits like enhanced search-and-rescue capabilities and reduced carbon emissions for city lighting, the proposal faces immediate pushback from the scientific community. Astronomers warn that such technology exacerbates existing problems with light pollution and space debris, potentially obscuring astronomical observations. Reflect Orbital maintains that the system will unlock productivity by removing the geographical and temporal limitations of natural sunlight.
Comments (0)
No comments yet. Be the first!