Skyroot Aerospace to launch Reflect Orbital's sunlight-reflecting satellites

US-based space tech startup Reflect Orbital has signed an agreement with India’s Skyroot Aerospace to purchase two dedicated satellite launches. The partnership aims to deploy orbital mirrors designed to reflect sunlight toward Earth during nighttime hours.

The technology is intended to provide controlled illumination for various applications, including supporting search-and-rescue operations in disaster zones, aiding remote industrial work, and extending sunlight availability for solar farms to increase electricity generation. The system is expected to provide adjustable lighting across an area approximately five kilometers wide.

The first launch will utilize Skyroot’s Vikram-1 rocket, while the second is planned for the Vikram-1U vehicle, which is currently under development. While the project offers potential utility for infrastructure and disaster relief, it has also prompted discussions regarding potential light pollution and its impact on wildlife and astronomy.