Tag: sunlight on demand
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Sunlight on Demand: The Night-Skimming Mirror Satellites Raising Global Light- Pollution Fears
Introduction: A Bright Idea with Dark-Sky Repercussions A bold, controversial concept is stirring alarm in the astronomy community: a constellation of mirrors in orbit designed to beam sunlight down to Earth so solar farms can operate after sunset. US startup Reflect Orbital calls this idea “sunlight on demand.” If realized, the plan would involve an…
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Sunlight on Demand? The Risks and Realities of Reflect Orbital’s Night-Beaming Satellites
Overview: A Bold Idea Awakens Strong Reactions A US startup, Reflect Orbital, proposes a radical way to extend solar power beyond daylight: a constellation of mirrors in orbit that would beam sunlight down to Earth, effectively delivering “sunlight on demand.” The plan centers on an 18-meter test satellite, Earendil-1, slated for launch in 2026, with…
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Sunlight on Demand: The Controversial Plan to Beam Nighttime Light from Space
Overview: A Bold, Controversial Idea A US startup called Reflect Orbital is proposing a strikingly ambitious plan: beam sunlight from space to Earth to power solar farms after sunset. The concept hinges on giant mirrors in orbit that reflect solar energy down to specific ground locations, potentially enabling round-the-clock solar power. The project could begin…