Can a US Startup Truly Deliver ‘Sunlight on Demand’ After Dark? Exploring the Possibilities and Our Desire for Artificial Sunlight

A new plan by the startup Reflect Orbital has astronomers on edge. Their proposal? A fleet of satellites designed to create intentional light, beaming sunlight back to Earth to keep solar farms running after dark. While this may sound innovative, it raises serious concerns about light pollution.

Reflect Orbital aims to launch an 18-meter test satellite called Earendil-1 in 2026, expecting to follow it with around 4,000 more satellites by 2030. Each satellite will use mirrors to reflect sunlight to specific locations on the ground. The idea is simple: just like you can reflect sunlight off a watch, these satellites will use larger mirrors to shine light on solar panels.

However, there are significant challenges to this plan. At an altitude of about 625 km, the light reflection this setup creates will not be so straightforward. When light reflects from a far distance, it spreads out, making the area lit smaller and dimmer. For instance, reflecting light onto a patch of ground 800 km away results in a beam that could light up an area of about 7 km across—bright enough to be noticed but much dimmer than direct sunlight.

During initial tests with a hot air balloon, the company recorded about 516 watts of light per square meter—around half the intensity of midday sunlight. To achieve their goal of providing useful light to solar farms, Reflect Orbital would need many more satellites than they propose.: 3,000 satellites would only deliver 20% of midday sun, illuminating only specific areas for brief moments.

Experts warn of the potential disaster this could cause for both astronomy and the environment. Such a constellation of satellites would be visible at night, potentially brighter than the Moon. If these satellites succeed, they could disrupt not just astronomical observations but also disrupt creatures that depend on natural light cycles.

Recently, social media has buzzed with reactions to this proposal. Many users express their worries about what such lighting could mean for stargazing and the beauty of the night sky.

Reflect Orbital has claimed they will take measures to mitigate light pollution by planning the satellites’ movements and trajectories. However, some remain skeptical, concerned that the plan is too ambitious and fraught with risks.

Ultimately, while Reflect Orbital’s mission may promise more accessible solar energy, the environmental cost and its implications for our night sky need thorough investigation. As we advance into this new frontier of technology, the stakes are high, and this is a project worth watching closely.



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