CALIFORNIA / LONDON (IT BOLTWISE) – A California startup plans to launch 4,000 space mirrors to increase solar energy production. However, these plans have raised concerns among scientists because they could potentially increase light pollution and affect astronomy.
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A California startup called Reflect Orbital plans to launch an impressive 4,000 space mirrors into orbit to increase solar energy production on Earth. These mirrors are intended to direct sunlight to specific areas in order to improve the energy supply in the twilight hours. The company has already applied for a license from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to launch its first demonstration satellite, EARENDIL-1, next year.
The idea of deliberately reflecting sunlight onto the Earth has attracted both commercial and government interests. Reflect Orbital has already secured a $1.25 million contract with the US Air Force to demonstrate the feasibility of this technology. The company claims that in addition to increasing solar energy production, the mirrors could also be useful in agriculture, urban lighting and disaster areas.
But while the potential benefits of the technology are obvious, astronomers and biodiversity experts have raised concerns about its impact on light pollution. The mirrors could significantly brighten the night sky and disrupt astronomers’ observations. In addition, artificially extending daylight hours could disrupt the natural day-night cycles of animals and plants.
Reflect Orbital has assured that the mirrors will only be aimed at limited areas and the illumination will not be continuous. Still, concern remains that the mirrors, even if they are not aimed directly at Earth, could cause light pollution through atmospheric scattering. The discussion about the impact of such technologies on the environment and astronomy will certainly continue as Reflect Orbital moves forward with its plans.
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