Startup Designed Satellite to Redirect Sunlight to Earth

Reflect Orbital aims to illuminate the night sky using satellites equipped with massive reflective surfaces.

Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Space

A metallic satellite with a large reflective panel in orbit, angled to bounce sunlight toward a crescent Earth below. — California-based startup Reflect Orbital is testing satellite technology capable of redirecting sunlight to Earth, potentially extending operational hours for solar plants and emergency responders. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should private companies be permitted to project artificial light into the night sky for commercial purposes?

California-based Reflect Orbital is developing technology to redirect sunlight to Earth after sunset using orbiting mirrors. The project aims to provide light for events and infrastructure but faces scrutiny from astronomers over potential light pollution.

Why it matters

This technology seeks to extend operational hours for solar energy plants and emergency services by bringing artificial sunlight to the ground at night. However, the proposal raises questions regarding its impact on wildlife and the ability to conduct observational astronomy.

The Eärendil-1 satellite features an 18 by 18 meter reflective surface and operates at an altitude between 600 and 650 kilometers. It travels at 7.5 kilometers per second, providing 4 minutes of illumination to a 5-kilometer zone.

The players

Reflect Orbital

This California startup is focused on developing space-based technology designed to redirect sunlight to Earth.

The details

The satellite uses motors to control its reflective surface, aiming light toward the ground as it orbits. Reflect Orbital has expressed an interest in collaborating with the scientific community to implement exclusion zones to protect observational research.

Russia launched the Znamya 2 space mirror in 1993.
The number of active satellites was 2,000 in 2018.
The company plans to deploy 5,000 satellites by 2030.
The company plans to deploy 50,000 satellites by 2035.

The Big Picture

This project follows the precedent set by the 1993 Znamya 2 space mirror launch, which also tested the viability of reflecting sunlight back to Earth. The current effort signals a shift toward commercializing orbital light redirection on a massive scale.

The technology could impact daily life by extending the operational capacity of solar energy plants and assisting search and rescue operations during dark hours. Future implementation might change how outdoor events are staged by allowing for controlled artificial illumination.

The takeaway

While the project aims to enhance efficiency for energy and public safety, it introduces significant challenges for the integrity of the night sky. Balancing these commercial goals with the requirements of astronomers remains a critical hurdle for the startup.