GreenCleaner Tech
Plan to Reflect Sunlight to Power Solar Panels at Night Upsets Astronomers
Reflect Orbital aims to launch its first of a planned 4,000 satellites into orbit next year. Scientists worry that it would be “ruinous” for research.
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A timelapse showing satellites in the night sky.
Photographer: VW Pics/Universal Images Group Editorial/Getty Images
FacebookXLinkedInEmailLinkGiftGift this articleContact us:Provide news feedback or report an errorConfidential tip?Send a tip to our reportersSite feedback:Take our SurveyNew WindowFacebookXLinkedInEmailLinkGiftBy Coco LiuOctober 6, 2025 at 11:30 AM UTCBookmarkSave
A startup that aims to keep solar farms running at night by reflecting sunlight from space has sparked controversy among astronomers whose work relies on dark skies.
California-based Reflect Orbital recently requested a license from the Federal Communications Commission to launch a demonstration satellite in 2026, as its first step to creating a constellation that will redirect sunlight to precise locations on demand. The startup says it plans to launch dozens more over the next two years, with a goal of having about 4,000 satellites in orbit by 2030.
Source: Original