From Sfgate · · 1m
California startup's night solar plan sparks debate
California startup aims to sell sunlight at night, sparking ecological and regulatory concerns.
In brief
California startup aims to sell sunlight at night, sparking ecological and regulatory concerns. Reflect Orbital plans to deploy satellites reflecting sunlight for nighttime use, facing criticism from scientists over ecological impacts and regulatory gaps. Originally reported by Sfgate.
Reflect Orbital's night light plan
California startup aims to sell sunlight at night using satellites with mirrors.
Satellite light proposal details
Prototype satellite carries 60-foot-wide mirror lighting 3-mile-wide circle on Earth.
2029 deployment target
Reflect Orbital plans 1,000 satellites by 2029 and 50,000 by 2035.
Nighttime light pricing
An hour of light costs minimum $5,000 according to Reflect Orbital.
DarkSky International concerns
DarkSky International CEO warns of ecological damage from nighttime light.
“From our perspective, this is clearly an unprecedented assault on the nighttime environment”
Health impacts
Neurologist and sleep expert cite health risks from disrupted circadian rhythms.
“This sounds appealing, but in reality, it comes at a real cost to our health”
Regulatory status
FCC deliberating satellite license after public comment period closed.
The main idea
Reflect Orbital plans to deploy satellites reflecting sunlight for nighttime use, facing criticism from scientists over ecological impacts and regulatory gaps.
