Reflect Orbital Plans to Launch 4,000 Space Mirrors, Sparks Alarm
A California-based start-up, Reflect Orbital, has submitted an application to the Federal Communications Commission for a license to launch a large mirror into space next year. This mission marks the initial phase of the company’s ambitious goal to operate a network of over 4,000 solar reflectors designed to enhance solar power production during twilight hours on Earth.
The proposed launch of the demonstration satellite, named EARENDIL-1, is slated for April 2024. Once in orbit, the satellite will deploy a mirror measuring 60 by 60 feet (approximately 18 by 18 meters), which aims to showcase its capability to direct sunlight to specific targets on Earth. The company received a $1.25 million contract from the U.S. Air Force in May 2023, supporting this venture.
Reflect Orbital envisions that its constellation will provide illuminated conditions after sunset and before sunrise to paying customers, effectively extending daylight hours. The company insists that its project could bolster clean energy production during high-demand periods, enhance agricultural growth, possibly replace urban lighting, and offer emergency illumination in disaster scenarios.
Despite these promising applications, the initiative has raised significant concerns among astronomers and biodiversity experts regarding the potential consequences of increased light pollution. The project aims to facilitate solar power generation at night, but critics argue that it could disrupt wildlife and alter natural ecosystems.
According to John Berentine, an astronomer at the Silverado Hills Observatory in Tucson, Arizona, the light emitted by these satellites could have far-reaching effects. He noted that the beams reflected by the satellites could be “four times brighter than the full moon.” This intensity, combined with the formation of multiple satellites in orbit, poses a risk to both local wildlife and the surrounding areas through atmospheric scattering.
Robert Massey, Deputy Executive Director at the Royal Astronomical Society in the UK, expressed similar concerns, stating that the astronomical community is “seriously concerned about the development, its impact, and the precedent it sets.” He emphasized that the project’s central goal of illuminating the sky could have catastrophic implications for astronomical observations.
Reflect Orbital has acknowledged these concerns and stated its intention to use the upcoming demonstration mission to identify and mitigate any negative impacts of the reflected light. A spokesperson for the company commented, “Our service is highly localized,” specifying that each reflection would cover a defined 5-kilometer area for a limited time, rather than providing continuous illumination. Following the satellite’s passage over the target region, the mirror would tilt away from the Earth’s surface, reducing the duration of light exposure.
During the demonstration scheduled for 2026, observers at designated test sites are expected to witness the reflection as a bright moving star, producing a soft, moonlike glow on the ground. Reflect Orbital plans to conduct an environmental impact assessment prior to the constellation’s full deployment, aiming to collaborate with experts to better understand the ecological sensitivities of each service site.
The issue of light pollution has gained increasing attention in recent years, with data indicating a global rise of approximately 10 percent per year since the introduction of LED lights. This trend has led to the near-erasure of stars from the night sky; where observers could once see around 250 stars, that number has dwindled to about 100 today. This increase in artificial light has been linked not only to the decline of insect populations but also to growing instances of sleep disorders and depression in humans.
David Smith, Advocacy and Social Change Manager at the invertebrate charity BugLife, emphasized that light pollution disrupts the natural day-night cycle that has governed life on Earth for billions of years. “By effectively extending daylight hours through artificial light and blurring the boundaries between day and night, light pollution interferes with the circadian rhythms, physiology, and behavioral patterns of countless species,” he explained.
Astronomers have also expressed apprehension over the impact of rising satellite numbers on their observations. Projects like SpaceX’s Starlink have drawn scrutiny for causing streaks in astronomical images, while initiatives like AST SpaceMobile, which aims to deliver broadband internet directly to smartphones, face similar criticism for their potential interference with astronomical studies.
Massey remarked that, unlike these projects, Reflect Orbital’s goal of reflecting bright sunlight back to Earth sets it apart. He noted that while astronomers have worked with companies like SpaceX to mitigate light pollution from satellites, the premise of Reflect Orbital’s project centers on deliberately brightening the sky.
As Reflect Orbital prepares for its ambitious mission, the dialogue between the company and the scientific community continues. While the potential benefits of harnessing solar power through this innovative approach are significant, the environmental and astronomical implications cannot be overlooked. With concerns mounting, the upcoming demonstration mission will be a critical step in determining the project’s feasibility and impact on life on Earth.
