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Reflect Orbital

All articles tagged with #reflect orbital

science38 minutes ago•13 min saved

US approves giant space-mirror test to beam sunlight on demand, sparking concerns about crowded low-Earth orbit

The FCC has approved Reflect Orbital to test Earendil-1, a satellite designed to reflect sunlight back to Earth for solar energy and broad lighting, with plans for a 50,000-satellite fleet by 2035. The initiative raises safety and ethical concerns including health and circadian disruptions, interference with telescopes and pilots, and significant environmental costs from launches and debris, all amid a crowded near-Earth space with SpaceX’s Starlink megaconstellations. The piece frames this as an innovation challenge requiring careful assessment of risks vs. benefits and potentially stronger governance to manage orbital resources and avoid harm to astronomy, aviation, and the atmosphere.

via The Conversation|

#earendil-1 #low-earth-orbit #reflect-orbital

technology2 hours ago•3 min saved

FCC Approves Sun-Reflecting Orbital Test, Sparking Astronomers’ Alarm

The FCC authorized Reflect Orbital’s Eärendil-1, a 142‑kg satellite that will deploy an 18-meter reflector to redirect sunlight to nighttime regions for testing, with potential uses from construction lighting to boosting solar farm output. Proponents say it could advance space testing and utility lighting, but astronomers and environmentalists warn it could brighten the night sky, disrupt diurnal cycles, and interfere with telescopes and wildlife. The FCC said environmental and astronomical impacts fall outside its review but noted commitments to NASA/NSF collaboration and community consultation; public comments were largely critical, and petitions for a broader environmental assessment have been filed as the company contemplates thousands of future satellites.

via SpaceNews|

#astronomy #environmental-impact #fcc

environment2 months ago•19 min saved

Orbital sky mirrors aim to brighten nights, sparking controversy

A California startup Reflect Orbital plans to launch about 4,000 sky mirrors into a sun-synchronous orbit to reflect sunlight onto Earth after dusk, aiming to brighten cities and energy sites while raising concerns about interference with astronomy, effects on wildlife and human sleep, and the risks of space debris; regulators may require environmental reviews and global standards before any deployment, with the first Earendil-1 satellite targeted for 2026 demonstrations.

via Earth.com|

#astronomy #environment #night-sky-brightness

space3 months ago•75 min saved

Astronomers Fight Back as Sky-Dimming Satellite Plans Advance

Astronomers are protesting two proposed orbital schemes — SpaceX’s plan to launch one million orbiting AI data centers and Reflect Orbital’s plan for 50,000 sun-reflecting mirrors — arguing they would massively brighten and clutter the night sky, degrade telescope data, and upend long-standing astronomy. Leading organizations like the Royal Astronomical Society and the European Southern Observatory have filed FCC objections, warning the sky could become several times brighter than the full moon, pixels could be lost in images, and exposure times would have to be tripled, effectively transforming the nighttime sky and hindering scientific progress.

via Space|

#astronomy #fcc #reflect-orbital

science5 months ago•27 min saved

Orbiting sky mirrors could light nights but raise astronomy and wildlife concerns

Earth.com reports on Reflect Orbital’s plan to launch about 4,000 large sky mirrors into orbit to reflect sunlight onto Earth after sunset, using a sun‑synchronous path to illuminate select areas. The first satellite, Earendil-1, could launch in early 2026 for a demonstration visible from approved sites. While proponents say it could boost lighting and solar energy use, experts warn it could dramatically increase sky brightness, contaminate telescope data, create space debris risks, disturb wildlife and human sleep, and require international regulatory coordination. The piece calls for clear limits, public review, and shared tracking before any large deployment.

via Earth.com|

#night-sky-brightness #reflect-orbital #regulation

science-and-technology8 months ago•7 min saved

Astronomers Warn of Risks from Space Mirrors Selling Sunlight

A California startup, Reflect Orbital, plans to launch up to 4,000 giant mirrors into space to reflect sunlight onto Earth's night side, aiming to extend daylight hours for energy and agriculture. Experts warn this could cause severe light pollution, disrupt astronomy, and pose space safety risks, with past similar attempts having failed and skepticism about the feasibility and environmental impact of the project.

via Live Science|

#astronomical-impact #light-pollution #reflect-orbital

science-and-technology8 months ago•3 min saved

Scientists Warn Against Launching 4,000 Space Mirrors to Reflect Sunlight

Reflect Orbital, a startup planning to deploy a large array of space mirrors to reflect sunlight to paying customers, faces criticism from astronomers due to potential light pollution and environmental impacts. The company has yet to launch its mirrors but has secured FCC licensing for a demo in 2026 and a US Air Force contract, targeting high-paying clients for various uses, including national defense and advertising.

via Futurism|

#astronomical-impact #reflect-orbital #satellites

science-and-technology9 months ago•5 min saved

Controversial Satellite Project Aims to Deliver Sunlight on Demand by 2026

Reflect Orbital proposes to use large mirrors on satellites to beam sunlight onto Earth for solar energy after sunset, but the plan raises significant concerns about light pollution and practicality, especially with potential thousands of satellites creating bright flashes and obstructing astronomical observations.

via Tribune India|

#light-pollution #reflect-orbital #satellites

science-and-technology9 months ago•6 min saved

Controversial 'Sunlight on Demand' Technology Sparks Debate Over Nighttime Solar Power and Astronomical Impact

A US startup, Reflect Orbital, plans to deploy thousands of satellites with mirrors to beam sunlight onto Earth for solar energy at night, but this raises significant concerns about light pollution, astronomical interference, and practicality, with the potential for bright flashes and widespread environmental impact.

via ScienceAlert|

#light-pollution #reflect-orbital #satellites