Reflect Orbital, a California-based start-up, is poised to launch a groundbreaking project involving the deployment of over 4,000 solar reflectors in space. The company has applied for a government license to initiate this ambitious venture with the demonstration of its first satellite, EARENDIL-1, expected to launch in April 2024. This mission aims to showcase the satellite’s ability to direct sunlight onto specific targets on Earth, extending usable daylight hours for energy production and other applications.
The satellite, once in orbit, will unfurl a mirror measuring 60 by 60 feet (18 by 18 meters). Reflect Orbital envisions that its constellation of satellites will enable solar energy generation during twilight hours, providing light on demand to paying customers. This initiative follows a significant achievement for the company, which secured a $1.25 million Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract from the U.S. Air Force in May 2023.
While Reflect Orbital promotes the potential benefits of its technology—including enhanced crop growth, emergency lighting in disaster areas, and a possible replacement for urban lighting—scientists and environmental advocates are raising alarms. Concerns focus on the implications for light pollution and its effects on both biodiversity and astronomical observations.
Concerns from the Scientific Community
Astronomers and biodiversity experts have expressed serious reservations regarding the development of these space mirrors. They emphasize the need for an environmental review to assess the impact of the satellite constellation on life on Earth. According to John Berentine, an astronomer at the Silverado Hills Observatory in Tucson, Arizona, the light reflected by these satellites could be intensely bright, up to four times more luminous than the full moon. He noted that this intensity could disrupt wildlife in illuminated areas and have further ramifications due to atmospheric scattering.
Reflect Orbital has stated that the mirrors will provide localized illumination, covering a defined area of five kilometers for limited periods. A company spokesperson explained that the mirror will tilt away from Earth once it passes the target region, suggesting that the projected light will resemble a soft, moonlike glow rather than a continuous beam.
Impact on Astronomy and Ecosystems
The astronomical community is particularly troubled by the precedent set by this project. Robert Massey, Deputy Executive Director of the Royal Astronomical Society in the U.K., articulated that the primary objective of this venture—to illuminate the sky—poses significant risks from an astronomical perspective. He highlighted the potential for these artificial satellites to detract from the natural night sky, exacerbating existing light pollution issues.
The phenomenon of light pollution has become increasingly pronounced in recent years, with studies indicating that it has risen by approximately 10 percent annually since the advent of LED lighting. This increase has led to a significant reduction in visible stars, with observers now able to see only about 100 stars in areas that once hosted 250. The implications extend beyond stargazing; rising light pollution is linked to declining insect populations and increased rates of sleep disorders and depression among humans.
David Smith, advocacy and social change manager at the invertebrate charity BugLife, emphasized the disruption of natural day-night cycles caused by artificial lighting. He stated, “Light pollution fundamentally disrupts the natural day-night cycle that has governed life on Earth for billions of years.” This disruption can interfere with the circadian rhythms and behavioral patterns of numerous species.
Reflect Orbital has acknowledged the significance of these concerns and plans to conduct an environmental impact assessment before expanding its constellation. The company intends to use the upcoming demonstration mission to collaborate with experts, aiming to understand and mitigate any ecological sensitivities associated with its service.
As the project progresses, the dialogue between Reflect Orbital and the scientific community will be crucial. The potential benefits of enhanced solar power generation must be carefully weighed against the environmental and astronomical impacts that could arise from such a significant alteration to the night sky.
