The United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is currently evaluating an application from the startup Reflect Orbital to launch a large-scale mirror satellite designed to reflect sunlight onto dark areas of the Earth. This ambitious project aims to provide alternative power sources for solar farms, illuminate urban areas at night, and supply lighting in emergency situations. The prototype satellite, featuring a 60-foot mirror, represents just the beginning of Reflect Orbital’s vision, which includes deploying a total of 50,000 such satellites in orbit—more than five times the size of the largest existing satellite constellation operated by SpaceX.
Reflect Orbital’s CEO, Ben Nowack, expressed to The New York Times that the initiative aims to “replace fossil fuels and really power everything.” If successful, the venture could be financially lucrative, with Nowack estimating a potential charge of around $5,000 per hour for the light generated by a single satellite. His goal is to launch 1,000 satellites by the end of 2028.
The concept has drawn both intrigue and skepticism. In 1993, the Russian satellite Znamya, or “Banner,” attempted a similar feat by deploying a 65-foot reflective sheet, which created a beam of light brighter than the moon’s illumination. However, the project was deemed impractical, as observers reported only brief flashes of light on the ground, and it was prohibitively expensive.
While the technology has potential benefits, it also raises significant environmental concerns. Experts warn that the light emitted from space mirrors could disrupt natural circadian rhythms, affecting various species. Martha Hotz Vitaterna, a research professor of neurobiology at Northwestern University, highlighted the risk of misaligned breeding cycles in animals and confusion among migrating birds and hibernating insects. She emphasized, “The implications for wildlife, for all life, are enormous.”
Astronomers also express apprehension regarding the impact on their field. Increased light pollution from space could hinder deep space observations, an issue already exacerbated by the growing number of satellites in orbit. Roohi Dalal, an astronomer and director of public policy at the American Astronomical Society, noted the limitations of the FCC’s regulatory framework concerning such innovative space activities, stating, “We just don’t have a regulatory process for these types of novel space activities yet.”
Questions remain about the feasibility of Reflect Orbital’s plans. Michael Brown, an astronomer from Monash University, analyzed the proposal and found that even with tens of thousands of satellites, the output would be insufficient to make a significant impact. He calculated that more than 3,000 satellites would be necessary to replicate just 20 percent of midday sun at a single location. To achieve a fifth of the sun’s midday illumination across 27 sites, around 87,000 satellites would be required.
Brown commented, “I think his idea keeps coming up because it has a certain simplicity and elegance. But when you start crunching the numbers…there’s a lot of serious issues with it.”
As the FCC deliberates on the application, the conversation surrounding this proposed technology underscores the delicate balance between innovation and environmental stewardship. The outcome of this review could set a significant precedent for the future of commercial space endeavors.
