Overview: A bold experiment in lighting up the night sky
A US startup, Reflect Orbital, has proposed an audacious experiment: reflect sunlight to specific locations on Earth to extend solar power generation after dark. The company has applied to the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for permission to launch an 18-meter-long experimental satellite, Earendil-1, in 2026. If approved, this would mark the first step in a broader constellation intended to redirect sunlight to ground-based solar farms after sunset, potentially enabling longer production hours and reduced gaps between daily energy supply and demand.
How the system would work
Each satellite in the envisioned network would orbit roughly 625 kilometers above Earth and carry mirrors 54 meters wide. The design aims to reflect light that is about 15,000 times dimmer than noonday sun, yet still brighter than a full moon at the target area. Reflect Orbital estimates that achieving 20% of mid-day sunlight across multiple sites would require roughly 3,000 satellites, with many more needed to sustain an hour of continuous illumination due to the satellites’ high orbital speed (about 7.5 kilometers per second) and limited viewing windows.
Scale and ambition
Founding figures claim extensive deployment, with plans to launch dozens of satellites in the next two years and an overall target of up to 4,000 active satellites by 2030. At one point, founder Ben Nowack floated far larger numbers, including deploying 250,000 satellites, a figure that would dwarf all current active satellites and space debris combined. Even in that scenario, experts note the maximal daytime-offshoot would still be limited to 20% of sunlight for a small set of locations at a time.
Reactions: supporters, skeptics, and watchdogs
The plan has backing from venture capital and tech circles, with Sequoia Capital and Baiju Bhatt among its supporters. However, the scientific community has raised significant concerns. Astronomers warn that the reflected light could interfere with sensitive astronomical cameras and long-running sky surveys. A survey from the American Astronomical Society in August found that more than 1,400 scientists believed their work would be disrupted by Reflect Orbital’s project.
Ecological and health considerations
Environmental and ecological impacts extend beyond telescope data. Experts like Meredith Rawls of the University of Washington emphasize potential disturbances to nocturnal species—moths, frogs, bats—that rely on natural night cues. Light pollution is also linked to human health concerns including sleep disruption and circadian rhythm disturbances. Reflect Orbital has stated it would assess environmental effects and engage with local communities where its services would be deployed, arguing that the extra clean energy produced could offset launch emissions.
Industry context and regulatory landscape
Regulation and spectrum management are central to the discussion. As the Satellite Industry Association notes, thousands of satellites were launched in 2024, led by players like SpaceX, Amazon’s Kuiper, and Eutelsat OneWeb. Reflect Orbital’s proposal arrives at a moment of rapid satellite deployment and growing concerns about space traffic management, light pollution, and astronomical observation. The FCC’s decision on Earendil-1 will likely hinge on environmental impact assessments, optical interference considerations, and the broader societal value of extending solar power generation.
What happens next
Reflect Orbital says it will conduct comprehensive environmental assessments and collaborate with communities, scientists, and regulators to address potential downsides. If Earendil-1 gains approval, it would set the stage for a broader constellation and a new chapter in solar energy technology—and a new set of challenges for astronomers, ecologists, and policymakers to navigate as night skies become increasingly engineered for human needs.
