Reflect Orbital to launch mirror satellites for nighttime solar energy

US-based startup Reflect Orbital has received approval from the FCC to launch Eärendil-1, an experimental satellite featuring an 18-square-meter mirror designed to reflect sunlight toward Earth at night.

The company aims to eventually deploy a constellation of 50,000 satellites. This network would create a light beam five kilometers in diameter, intended to provide continuous illumination for solar parks, construction sites, or private applications.

While the technology offers a way to harness solar energy around the clock, it presents potential risks. The reflected light could reach brightness levels up to four times that of a full moon within the illuminated area.