Controversial satellites launching in 2026 will reflect light to Earth

image via New Scientist

December 30, 2025, 6:00 PM

• •Reflect Orbital plans to launch satellites with reflective mirrors to provide "sunlight on demand".
• •Astronomers are skeptical about the amount of light generated and the potential for astronomical interference.
• •The satellites could cause momentary flashes of sunlight.
• •The plan's efficacy and cost-effectiveness are questioned.

Reflect Orbital plans to launch satellites with mirrors to reflect sunlight to Earth for various purposes, including energy generation. The company aims to provide "sunlight on demand" to locations with limited natural sunlight, potentially powering solar farms. However, astronomers and experts are skeptical about the plan's feasibility, citing insufficient light output from individual reflectors. They also raise concerns about potential negative impacts on astronomical observations due to the satellites' movements and atmospheric light scattering.

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