A new initiative by Reflect Orbital, a U.S.-based company, aims to harness sunlight from space and beam it to Earth as needed. However, a recent study suggests that this ambitious project could inadvertently brighten the night sky for many more individuals than originally anticipated. Scheduled for launch later this year, Reflect Orbital will deploy a test satellite named E rendil- equipped with a mirror designed to reflect sunlight back to the planet. The company’s long-term vision includes launching multiple larger satellites to enhance solar energy accessibility, emergency response capabilities, and military operations. Yet, the approval of this project by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has drawn skepticism from astronomers and environmental advocates alike.
According to Miroslav Kocifaj, an astronomer at the Slovak Academy of Sciences, the implications of this satellite technology extend far beyond its targeted area. In a paper published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters, Kocifaj and his team discovered that a single Reflect Orbital satellite could shine nearly 10 times brighter than a full moon within its intended five-kilometer radius. Even at distances of several kilometers from this area, the brightness could still be comparable to that of the moon. Should Reflect Orbital proceed with plans to combine multiple satellite beams, the resulting luminosity could rival that of the sun in specific locations, significantly altering the night sky for many.
Reflect Orbital’s CEO Ben Nowack contests the study’s findings, claiming that the company has taken precautions against light scattering and has engaged with scientific communities to address concerns. However, critics argue that the firm has yet to provide substantial data to support its assertions. As the technology and its implications continue to evolve, the debate is intensifying. Organizations including DarkSky International have called on the FCC to reconsider its approval, citing potential risks to wildlife, aviation, and the overall nighttime environment. Experts like Michelle Hanlon emphasize the benefits of solar reflective technology while cautioning that the legal framework governing such operations remains ambiguous. With no global authority overseeing satellite regulations, the path forward for Reflect Orbital may require navigating a complex web of national and local approvals.
Source: This company’s plans to deploy space mirrors could jeopardize the night sky for many via MIT Technology Review