Start-up plan to 'sell sunlight' with satellite mirrors concerns environmental groups

A California-based start-up, Reflect Orbital, faces growing opposition from environmental organizations over its ambitious plan to deploy satellites that redirect sunlight to Earth. The company, which was founded in 2021, aims to provide illumination using mirrors mounted on satellites, offering potential benefits such as extended daylight hours and enhanced agricultural productivity. However, the initiative has sparked concern among conservationists, climate advocates, and public health experts, who warn of the ecological and health risks posed by the proposed technology. The controversy emerged following the U.S. Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) approval of Reflect Orbital’s satellite, Earendil-1, in July. This decision brought the company closer to launching its first test satellite into low-Earth orbit. According to the company’s LinkedIn page, Reflect Orbital has been actively developing the technology to “sell sunlight” to users requiring additional lighting, particularly during nighttime hours. The firm claims that its system would eliminate the need for conventional electrical infrastructure, relying instead on reflected sunlight to power specific areas. Environmental groups, including Earthjustice, DarkSky International, Environment America, the American Bird Conservancy, and Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, have filed a formal complaint challenging the FCC’s approval. Their petition argues that the deployment of Reflect Orbital’s satellites poses serious threats to both wildlife and human well-being. They highlight the potential for the satellites’ reflective surfaces to emit a wide beam of light, up to five kilometers in diameter, that could interfere with astronomical observations and disrupt the natural behaviors of nocturnal species. The petition further states that the artificial light generated by the satellites might negatively affect the biological rhythms of animals, particularly those active at night. It warns that exposure to such light could lead to disrupted sleep patterns in humans, thereby affecting their overall health by interfering with the body’s production of melatonin. The groups emphasize that approximately one-third of vertebrates and the majority of invertebrates are nocturnal and thus highly susceptible to changes in their environment caused by artificial light. Reflect Orbital maintains that its satellites will direct light precisely to designated areas, preventing unintended illumination beyond the intended zones. The company’s website describes the technology as a means to provide targeted lighting without the drawbacks of traditional artificial lighting systems. It suggests that the reflected sunlight could support longer working hours, extend seasonal activity periods, and improve crop yields through increased exposure to light. Despite these claims, the company has yet to respond directly to the environmental groups’ petition. In a statement to The National, Reflect Orbital acknowledged the petition but did not comment on its contents. Instead, the company shared its July 9 media release, which outlined the significance of the FCC’s approval as a crucial milestone in testing the effectiveness of its technology and the safety measures it has implemented. Looking ahead, Reflect Orbital plans to launch two satellites by the end of the year and aims to operate up to 50,000 satellites in low-Earth orbit by 2035. As the company moves forward with its ambitions, the debate over the environmental impact of its technology is likely to intensify, prompting further scrutiny from regulatory bodies and advocacy groups alike.