Startup Designed Satellite to Redirect Sunlight to Earth
The California-based company aims to illuminate ground-based sites after sunset, though astronomers cite concerns over light pollution.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Space
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California startup Reflect Orbital is developing satellites designed to redirect sunlight to Earth at night, currently in a research phase. The project faces scrutiny from the scientific community regarding potential interference with observational astronomy.
Why it matters
The development aims to provide on-demand light for search and rescue operations or extend operational hours for solar energy plants. This proposal follows a rapid increase in the active satellite population, heightening concerns over light scattering and sky brightness.
The Eärendil-1 satellite features an 18 by 18 meter reflective surface designed to operate at an altitude between 600 and 650 kilometers. Traveling at 7.5 kilometers per second, the system is projected to provide a 5-kilometer-wide illumination zone for 4-minute intervals per location.
The players
Reflect Orbital
A California startup developing orbital mirror technology to reflect sunlight onto the surface of the Earth.
The details
The system utilizes large reflective surfaces controlled by onboard motors to steer sunlight toward specific coordinates on Earth. As the satellite moves in its orbital path, the beam follows the trajectory of the spacecraft. Because atmospheric molecules scatter light, any redirected rays risk increasing the overall brightness of the night sky, a phenomenon that could hinder sensitive long-exposure astronomical observations.
Timeline
1993: Russia launched the Znamya 2 space mirror experiment.
2018: The number of active satellites in orbit reached 2,000.
2030: The company plans to reach a total of 5,000 deployed satellites.
2035: The company aims to scale its fleet to 50,000 satellites.
The Tech Race
The 1993 Russian Znamya 2 space mirror launch provides a historical parallel to the current proposal of using orbital hardware to illuminate nighttime surfaces. Reflect Orbital is now attempting to modernize this concept at a scale that far exceeds earlier experimental efforts.
If deployed, the system aims to support search and rescue crews and solar energy infrastructure by providing artificial nighttime illumination. Residents and astronomers may see changes to night sky conditions, though the company claims it intends to establish exclusion zones for observational sites.
The takeaway
The trajectory of this technology depends on whether the company can mitigate light pollution concerns while proving the efficacy of their 18-meter reflectors. Observers should track any upcoming partnerships between the firm and astronomical research bodies regarding the proposed exclusion zones.
Further reading
For broader context on the industry, visit the Space section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Economic Times.
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Should private companies be permitted to project artificial light into the night sky for commercial purposes?
