Imagine a scenario where the sky outside your window suddenly brightens as if it’s daytime after you’ve ended a long work shift and settled into bed. This could become a reality if a U.S. company’s ambitious plan comes to fruition.
Reflect Orbital aims to launch massive mirrors into space to “sell sunlight after dark.” While the concept has potential benefits such as addressing energy challenges and providing lighting for emergency situations, it has sparked concerns among astronomers. They worry about the impact on the night sky, already affected by satellite constellations and light pollution.
The startup, based in California, envisions using satellites to reflect sunlight onto specific locations like solar farms during nighttime. They have proposed various satellite sizes, including 10 x 10 meters, 18 x 18 meters, and even 54 x 54 meters. However, experts argue that achieving the desired sunlight levels would require deploying thousands of such satellites.
The notion of space mirrors dates back to the 1920s and has been explored by countries like Russia and organizations like the European Space Agency. Despite the appeal of the concept, some experts question its feasibility. The mirrors would need to be on a polar orbit, passing over regions like Canada, raising concerns about unwanted light emissions.
Reflect Orbital estimates that the light generated by its mirrors could span several kilometers, raising worries about potential impacts on wildlife and dark sky areas. Astronomers emphasize the need to consider unintended consequences, including disruptions to observatories and radio interference. Additionally, the aesthetic value of an unobstructed night sky is a concern for some experts.
While Reflect Orbital’s proposal offers intriguing possibilities, the debate continues regarding its implications on the environment, wildlife, and scientific observations. The company’s vision to harness space-based sunlight faces scrutiny from various stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of balancing innovation with environmental considerations.