This Startup Wants to Use Space Mirrors to Light Up Earth at Night. Feds Just Said Go Ahead

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Source: Gizmodo

California startup Reflect Orbital received clearance to launch its first satellite, aiming to build a constellation to illuminate dark areas with in-space mirrors.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) granted approval for the launch of Reflect Orbital’s prototype satellite, which will test the ability to reflect sunlight down to Earth after dark. The satellite is set to launch to low Earth orbit later this year, where it is designed to deploy a 59-foot (18-meter) film reflector.

If proven successful, Reflect Orbital has plans to deploy up to 50,000 in-space mirrors mounted on satellites to create sunlight after dark. Its proposed constellation raises concerns over disrupting astronomers’ views of the cosmos.

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Why, you might ask? Well, the company wants to use its technology to illuminate disaster zones and search-and-rescue missions, extend working hours for industrial sites, boost agricultural yields and extend cycles, reduce light pollution by replacing city lights, and provide light for defense operations, according to Reflect Orbital’s website.

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Read more: https://gizmodo.com/this-startup-wants-to-use-space-mirrors-to-light-up-earth-at-night-feds-said-go-ahead-2000784980

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The FCC said concerns about astronomy are out of its jurisdiction and not a basis for denying the application.