A new frontier in illumination: Reflect Orbital‘s ambitious plan
California startup Reflect Orbital has received the green light from the US government for an experimental satellite equipped with an 18-metre-wide mirror. This innovation aims to illuminate night streets and solar farms by reflecting sunlight back to Earth. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) granted approval last week, setting the stage for the launch of their Eärendil-1 demo satellite into low Earth orbit.
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Upon deployment, the satellite will unfurl its reflective thin-film to shine sunlight over a three-mile-wide area on the Earth’s dark side, equivalent in size to five Central Parks. Reflect Orbital plans to sell this reflected light to municipalities and businesses for up to $5,000 an hour, enabling them to illuminate streets and charge solar farms after sunset.
Behind the bold venture: potential and controversy
In its order granting the license, the FCC lauded the satellite as a “potentially groundbreaking technology” and a step forward in “advancing American leadership in space”. However, not everyone shares this enthusiasm. Critics have raised alarms about the possible implications for human health, agriculture, and wildlife. The American Astronomical Society’s director of public policy, Roohi Dalal, highlighted concerns about light beams impacting airplane pilots, astronomy, and biological rhythms essential for plant and animal life.
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The FCC reported receiving over 1,800 comments, largely critical. The commission insists that its role is limited to regulating radiofrequency use and that environmental concerns are not within its purview, given space’s unique jurisdiction compared to Earth’s environmental laws.
Looking ahead: ambitions and challenges
While Reflect Orbital has yet to release detailed design specifications necessary for thorough risk assessments, co-founder and CEO Ben Nowack emphasizes that the upcoming launch will gather crucial data. This data will evaluate the satellite’s 18-metre-wide mirror and its safeguards controlling the reflection intensity.
Reflect Orbital envisions launching 1,000 satellite mirrors by 2028 and 50,000 by 2035, with the largest mirrors reflecting the light of 100 full moons. An analysis by the European Southern Observatory has concluded that even a single sunbeam could shine as brightly as four full moons.
While the startup promotes the possibilities of 24/7 sunlight access – safer night streets, expedited construction, and lifesaving search-and-rescue operations – critics stress the environmental costs, noting that nearly half of the total climate impact of the space sector involves rocket fuel emissions.
A similar geoengineering project includes a Space Bubble shield from MIT researchers, designed to counter global warming effects. Despite the controversy, Reflect Orbital continues its pursuit of technological innovation in space.
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Source: dezeen.com
Frequently asked questions
What is Reflect Orbital’s satellite designed to do?
Reflect Orbital’s satellite is designed to illuminate night streets and solar farms by reflecting sunlight back to Earth. The satellite will unfurl its reflective thin-film to shine sunlight over a three-mile-wide area on the Earth’s dark side.
How has the FCC reacted to Reflect Orbital’s plan?
The FCC granted approval for Reflect Orbital’s satellite, calling it a ‘potentially groundbreaking technology’ and a step forward in advancing American leadership in space. However, the FCC received over 1,800 comments, largely critical, regarding environmental concerns.
What concerns have been raised about the satellite?
Critics, including the American Astronomical Society’s director of public policy, have raised concerns about light beams impacting airplane pilots, astronomy, and biological rhythms essential for plant and animal life. There are also discussions about the environmental costs and rocket fuel emissions associated with the project.