Archive · 5 Dec 2025
Startup Plans to Banish Night with Space Mirrors
A company called Reflect Orbital wants to put big mirrors in space to reflect sunlight onto Earth at night.
They think this could help solar panels work all the time, help people during rescues, and make people feel better in winter.
The first mirror, called Earendil-1, will be launched in 2026, and they plan to have 4,000 mirrors in space by 2030.
But some scientists are worried.
They say this could make it hard to see stars and might mess up people's sleep because our bodies need darkness to rest.
They also think it's not a good idea to try to control something as big as the sun.
The mirrors will be made of a shiny material called Mylar and will be as big as 180 feet across.
Reflect Orbital plans to launch satellites with reflective panels to redirect sunlight to Earth's night side.
The first satellite, Earendil-1, is scheduled to launch in April 2026, with 4,000 planned by 2030.
Proposed benefits include continuous solar power, aid in rescue operations, and treatment for seasonal depression.
Astronomers express concerns about the impact on astronomy and human health due to disrupted day-night cycles.
The mirrors will be made of Mylar and range from 33 to 180 feet across.
- Who
- Reflect Orbital, a California-based startup
- What
- Plans to launch satellites with reflective panels to redirect sunlight to Earth's night side
- When
- First satellite launch scheduled for April 2026, with 4,000 planned by 2030
- Where
- Earth's orbit
- Why
- To provide continuous sunlight for solar power, rescue operations, and treating seasonal depression
- Company
- Reflect Orbital
- Location
- California
- Proposed Mirrors
- Square-shaped, 33-180 feet across
- First Satellite
- Earendil-1 (60-foot mirror, launch in April 2026)
- Planned Satellites
- 4,000 by 2030
- Material
- Mylar
- Regulatory Body
- US Federal Communications Commission (FCC)