What Reflect Orbital aims to do
US-based startup Reflect Orbital has proposed a bold, controversial concept: reflect sunlight toward Earth at night. BloomBERG reports the company has applied to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for permission to launch Earendil-1, an 18-meter-long experimental satellite, in 2026. The goal is not just one satellite but the first in a broader constellation that could redirect sunlight to power solar farms after dark, potentially expanding renewable energy output around the clock.
The company envisions dozens more satellites in the next two years and a long‑term target of thousands. Each satellite would fly at roughly 625 kilometers altitude and carry a 54-meter-wide mirror system. The light produced would be 15,000 times dimmer than noonday sun but still brighter than a full moon, according to project materials and public discussions cited by media outlets as well as expert commentaries.
In the technical framing, Reflect Orbital estimates that achieving a meaningful fraction of midday sunlight for a location could require hundreds or thousands of satellites. With orbital speeds around 7.5 kilometers per second, a single satellite could contribute to a location’s illumination for only about 3.5 minutes while passing within a 1,000-kilometer range. The math suggests a sprawling, dynamic ballet of mirrors, coordination, and timing to maintain hours of coverage.
The business case and ambitions
Founder Ben Nowack has floated ambitious numbers in public discussions, even mentioning a future scale of 250,000 satellites. That figure would surpass the total currently in orbit and a substantial portion of the existing space debris catalog. Reflect Orbital argues that even if the fleet doesn’t reach those extremes, the concept could unlock more stable, post-sunset solar generation and bolster energy reliability for grid operators and large facilities.
Backers include notable venture firms and tech figures, with Sequoia Capital and Baiju Bhatt cited as supporters. Supporters say the plan could turn sunlight into a more flexible energy resource, potentially reducing daytime mismatch between solar output and nighttime demand. Proponents also argue the project would help decarbonize energy infrastructure and contribute to a resilient electricity system.
Scientific and environmental concerns
Astronomers and space scientists warn of significant side effects. The reflected light could interfere with astronomical observations, especially with sensitive cameras and long-exposure imaging. A Rubin Observatory science director, Anthony Tyson, highlighted potential disruptions to sky surveys due to artificial illumination in the night sky. A recent American Astronomical Society survey found that a sizeable majority of scientists believe their work could be affected by Reflect Orbital’s efforts.
Beyond astronomy, ecological and health considerations come into play. Meredith Rawls, an astronomer at the University of Washington, notes that artificial night lighting could disturb nocturnal species—moths, frogs, bats—and disrupt ecosystems reliant on natural light cycles. There is also broader concern about light pollution and its potential impact on human circadian rhythms and sleep health in communities near the satellites’ footprints.
Regulatory, environmental, and community questions
FCC approval will hinge on spectrum management, orbital debris mitigation, and the safety profile of the proposed optical system. Reflect Orbital says it will assess environmental impacts and consult with affected communities where its services would be deployed. The company asserts that any climate benefit would be realized promptly because extended solar generation could offset emissions from other energy sources.
Critics argue that large, persistent mirrors in space could complicate future telescope work, hinder space situational awareness, or alter the nocturnal environment in unintended ways. The conversation is a classic policy-and-technology crossroads: how to balance the pursuit of continuous solar power with the need to preserve the integrity of scientific research and natural nightscapes.
What comes next
As Reflect Orbital seeks regulatory clearance, the debate is unlikely to subside quickly. The plan has ignited questions about feasibility, cost, and reliability, alongside broader ethical and environmental considerations. If Earendil-1 are approved and launched, the project would proceed with a series of tests to validate optical performance, alignment accuracy, and real‑world energy benefits. Independent scientists, regulators, and local communities will watch closely as the company moves from concept to potential demonstration in the field.
