What Reflect Orbital is proposing
US startup Reflect Orbital has asked the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for permission to launch an experimental 18-meter-long satellite, Earendil-1, as the first in a planned constellation. The company envisions a fleet of satellites that can redirect sunlight to specific locations so solar farms can operate after dark. Bloomberg reports the Earendil-1 mission could launch in 2026, with dozens more satellites planned over the next two years and a target of up to 4,000 active satellites by 2030.
The concept hinges on massive mirrors—54 meters wide on each satellite—that would reflect sunlight to Earth from a perch roughly 625 kilometers above the planet. Advocates say the approach could extend the effective daylight offered to solar farms, allowing more continuous energy generation in the evening hours and potentially increasing overall electricity output from renewable sources.
Technical and logistical details
Each satellite would trace a high, circular orbit while reflecting light toward designated ground areas. A consensus assessment notes that the reflected light would be around 15,000 times dimmer than noonday sun, yet brighter than a full moon. Because satellites travel at roughly 7.5 kilometers per second, any given satellite could illuminate a location for about 3.5 minutes within a 1,000-kilometer range before moving on. Reflect Orbital estimates that achieving 20% of midday sunlight would require roughly 3,000 satellites, with thousands more to maintain continuous illumination for an hour, distributed across multiple ground locations.
The founder, Ben Nowack, has described optimistic scale scenarios, including a proposal that could eventually involve 250,000 satellites—far exceeding current counts of space debris and active assets. Even at conservative estimates, experts caution that this scale would introduce profound challenges for space traffic management and astronomical research.
Supporters and potential benefits
Backers of the project include Sequoia Capital and tech financier Baiju Bhatt. Proponents argue that extending daylight-energy capture could improve the reliability and yield of solar power systems, particularly in regions with short daylight hours or during seasonal low-light periods. If the environmental impact is managed, advocates say the added clean energy could help countries meet climate targets and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Concerns from scientists and ecologists
Despite potential energy benefits, the plan has sparked significant worry among astronomers and ecologists. Scientists warn that projecting strong, artificial light across night skies could complicate astronomical observations, interfere with telescope sensors, and contaminate data. A Rubin Observatory science director highlighted that even focused reflections could disrupt sensitive imaging. A survey by the American Astronomical Society found more than 1,400 scientists concerned about disruptions to their work.
Ecologists warn of broader ecological implications from artificial night lighting. Nocturnal insects such as moths, amphibians, and bats rely on natural light cues for navigation, feeding, and mating. Altering the night environment could cascade through ecosystems, potentially affecting pollination, predator-prey dynamics, and biodiversity. Public health experts also point to emerging evidence linking light pollution with sleep disruption and metabolic effects in humans.
Regulatory, ethical, and environmental considerations
Reflect Orbital says it will assess environmental impacts and collaborate with local communities wherever services are provided. The company argues that satellite launches could be carbon-neutral or carbon-negative if the extended solar power production offsets emissions quickly. However, critics note that the production, launch, and maintenance of thousands of satellites would introduce new material-world tradeoffs, including manufacturing emissions, space debris, and potential hazards to civilian aviation and satellites in other orbits.
What comes next
As Reflect Orbital pursues FCC approval, experts and policymakers are weighing the balance between innovative energy solutions and the safeguards needed to protect astronomy, ecosystems, and space sustainability. The debate underscores a broader question: how should humanity responsibly expand a global solar economy while preserving the night sky and cosmic research opportunities for future generations?
Bottom line
The plan to reflect sunlight to Earth at night showcases bold ambition in the race to accelerate clean energy. It also spotlights the complex, often competing, needs of science, ecology, and regional communities. The coming months will reveal how regulators interpret the technical feasibility and societal costs of such ambitious orbital infrastructure.
