California-based start-up Reflect Orbital has submitted an application to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) seeking approval to launch a large mirror into space in April 2024. This mission marks the first step in an ambitious plan to deploy a constellation of over 4,000 solar reflectors designed to enhance solar power production during twilight hours on Earth.
The demonstration satellite, named EARENDIL-1, will feature a mirror measuring 60 by 60 feet (18 by 18 meters). Once in orbit, it aims to showcase its capability to direct sunlight to specific locations on Earth. Reflect Orbital has secured a $1.25 million contract from the U.S. Air Force as part of its Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, indicating strong governmental interest in the project.
While the project promises to increase clean energy generation and potentially reduce reliance on urban lighting, it has raised alarms among astronomers and biodiversity experts. They express significant concerns regarding the potential light pollution caused by the constellation of satellites. Reflect Orbital claims that its technology will allow for solar power generation at night, support crop growth, and provide emergency lighting during disasters.
Concerns Over Light Pollution and Ecological Impact
Experts warn that the deployment of these satellites could have dire consequences for wildlife and astronomical observations. According to John Berentine, an astronomer at the Silverado Hills Observatory in Tucson, Arizona, the light reflected by these satellites could be intensely bright, estimated to be four times more luminous than a full moon. This brightness could disrupt the natural behavior of wildlife in illuminated areas and beyond due to atmospheric scattering.
Robert Massey, Deputy Executive Director of the Royal Astronomical Society in the UK, emphasized the community’s serious concerns over the project’s implications. He stated, “The central goal of this project is to light up the sky and extend daylight, and obviously, from an astronomical perspective, that’s pretty catastrophic.”
Reflect Orbital has acknowledged these concerns and plans to utilize the upcoming demonstration mission to address potential adverse effects of its reflected light. The company’s spokesperson noted that the service would be highly localized, with each reflection covering a defined 5-kilometer area for a limited time.
Light Pollution’s Broader Implications
The issue of light pollution is not new, but it has worsened in recent years, particularly with the rise of LED lighting. Data indicates that light pollution levels globally have increased by approximately 10 percent annually, significantly diminishing visibility of stars in the night sky. Where one might have seen around 250 stars 18 years ago, only about 100 remain visible today.
This growing light pollution has been linked to declines in insect populations and increased occurrences of sleep disorders and depression among humans. David Smith, advocacy manager at the charity BugLife, remarked that light pollution disrupts the natural day-night cycle, which has been essential for life on Earth for billions of years. He stated, “By effectively extending daylight hours through artificial light, light pollution interferes with the circadian rhythms, physiology, and behavioral patterns of countless species.”
Astronomers have also expressed frustration over the increasing number of satellites obstructing their observations. Projects like SpaceX’s Starlink have been controversial due to their low-altitude satellites leaving streaks in images taken by telescopes. While these projects create incidental light pollution, Massey pointed out that Reflect Orbital’s initiative explicitly aims to reflect bright sunlight back to Earth, raising distinct concerns.
As Reflect Orbital moves forward, the company insists on conducting an environmental impact assessment before expanding its satellite constellation. The upcoming demonstration mission in 2024 will serve as a platform for collaboration with experts to better understand the ecological sensitivities at each service site.
The debate surrounding Reflect Orbital’s plans highlights the tension between technological advancement and environmental stewardship, posing critical questions about the future of both space exploration and the preservation of our night skies.
