Reflect Orbital tests orbital mirrors while NOX Mobility unveils new night train suites

Reflect Orbital, a California-based startup, is preparing to launch its first prototype satellite, Earendil-1. The company aims to provide artificial sunlight at night by using orbital mirrors. Their long-term goal involves deploying up to 50,000 satellites over the next decade to illuminate specific areas of Earth with brightness comparable to daylight. Potential applications include supporting solar farms, disaster relief, and construction sites. However, the technology faces concerns regarding light pollution, potential damage to astronomical observations, and disruptions to animal migratory patterns.

In transportation news, NOX Mobility unveiled new concepts for night travel at the InnoTrans trade fair in Berlin. The company plans to launch a regular service between Hamburg and Munich in March 2027, with stops in Bremen and Augsburg. The service will feature NOX Suites, which are private, compact cabins inspired by long-haul aircraft. These suites include a seat that converts into a bed over two meters long, designed to prioritize passenger privacy over traditional shared sleeper compartments. A more advanced concept, NOX Rooms, featuring fully enclosed compartments for one or two people, is expected by 2029.