I’ve previous written two articles (1) & (2) about a startup that is seeking to reflect sunlight onto Earth with a constellation of giant space mirrors. That startup, Reflect Orbital, based in California, plans to deploy up to 50,000 orbiting mirrors by 2035 to provide $5,000/hour “sunlight on demand” for solar farms (also to illuminate disaster zones). It’s kicking things off with a 60-ft. prototype launching as soon as this summer.
Reflect Orbital has applied for Federal Communications Commission (FCC) authorization to test satellite-based mirrors designed to reflect sunlight to Earth, aiming to provide “sunlight on demand” for solar energy extension and urban lighting. The proposed 2026 test, Earendil-1, involves a 625 km altitude, 88-degree inclination orbit to test feasibility, targeting 50,000 satellites by 2035.
Key details of the proposal and feedback include:
- Technology & Goals: The satellites use large, 180-foot mirrors to reflect sunlight, potentially providing up to 36,000 lux (daylight levels) by 2035.
- FCC Filing (SAT-LOA-20250701-00129): Filed on August 1, 2025, the application seeks to operate in the Space Operations and Research Services.
- Environmental & Astronomical Concerns: DarkSky International, the American Astronomical Society, and other groups have raised significant objections, citing threats to the night sky, light pollution, and ecosystem disruption.
- Opposition: Opponents urge the FCC to require a comprehensive environmental review, arguing that the 5 km diameter light beams could disrupt human circadian rhythms and wildlife. Astronomers calculate it would take 3,000+ large satellites to replicate just 20% of normal midday sunlight at a single site.
More information is available here.
Image above by Reflect Orbital.
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