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Startup plans to light up the night sky, but experts warn of major risks

Experts warn that such artificial illumination could disrupt astronomical observations, pose safety risks to aviation, and alter the night sky's appearance.

The EARENDIL-1 satellite is planned to operate in a sun-synchronous orbit, aiming to redirect sunlight from day to night for brief periods. (Image: reflect orbital)

Reflect Orbital, a California startup, seeks the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) approval to launch its first experimental satellite by 2026, with plans to deploy up to 4,000 reflective satellites by 2030. Unlike conventional satellite constellations such as SpaceX’s Starlink, which can inadvertently reflect sunlight, Reflect Orbital’s satellites are designed to direct light downwards, leading to significant concern from the scientific community.

Robert Massey of the Royal Astronomical Society has termed the potential impact on astronomy as “catastrophic”. The proposed satellites, equipped with foldable mirrors up to 59 ft wide, aim to illuminate specific ground areas at night, potentially making them four times as bright as the full moon. Experts warn that this could disrupt astronomical observations, pose safety risks to aviation, and alter the night sky’s appearance.

Reflect Orbital is proposing a constellation of mirrors designed to reflect sunlight, with individual mirrors potentially measuring 177 ft in diameter. This innovative concept aims to artificially extend daylight for applications such as energy generation and urban lighting while minimising broader visual impacts through localised reflections.

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However, astronomers and researchers express significant concerns about the implications of such artificial illumination. Robert Massey highlighted the catastrophic effects on astronomical observations due to increased light pollution. Similarly, astronomer Samantha Lawler condemned the project as a “terrible idea,” warning that even one mirror could hinder stargazing and pose risks to aircraft pilots distracted by flashes of light.

The EARENDIL-1 satellite is planned to operate in a sun-synchronous orbit, aiming to redirect sunlight from day to night for brief periods. Despite the concept’s apparent simplicity, experts such as Fionagh Thomson at Durham University cast doubt on the feasibility of engineering such a system, referencing past failures of similar Russian mirror satellite attempts in the 1990s.

Moreover, even if the project succeeds, the effectiveness of converting redirected light into usable energy may be limited, as the intensity would be significantly weaker than direct sunlight.

Concerns extend to safety issues, including the risk of collisions with space debris, which could lead to unpredictable light emissions. Lawler drew parallels with NASA’s solar sail system, which faced operational difficulties shortly after its launch.

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The introduction of numerous new satellites, including Reflect Orbital’s mirrors, raises alarms about increasing congestion in low Earth orbit. Additionally, the eventual re-entry of retired mirrors may contribute to metal pollution.

Reflect Orbital has committed to conducting an environmental risk assessment post-launch, although many in the astronomical community argue that such assessments should be completed before project approval. There is a worry that the project could set a precedent, encouraging other companies to undertake similar ventures that would irreversibly alter the night sky and impact optical and radio astronomy.

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