Startup Reflect Orbital has moved a step closer to its goal of\nilluminating the night with reflected sunlight after receiving a license\nfrom the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The\nCalifornia-based company plans to launch its first demonstration\nsatellite, named E\u00e4rendil-1, later this year.<\/p>\n
The satellite is a precursor to a much larger project. Reflect\nOrbital aims to operate a constellation of at least 50,000 mirror\nsatellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) by 2035. The company claims the\nnetwork will be able to direct sunlight to specific locations on Earth,\nenabling applications such as illuminating search-and-rescue operations,\nextending construction site working hours, and boosting the output of\nsolar power farms after dark.<\/p>\n
However, the plan has drawn sharp criticism from astronomers and\nenvironmentalists. John Barentine, an astronomer at Silverado Hills\nObservatory in Arizona, warned that the reflected beams would be four\ntimes brighter than a full moon and could severely impact wildlife and\necosystems. Scientists are concerned that deploying tens of thousands of\nreflective satellites will fundamentally alter the appearance of the\nnight sky and introduce a new form of light pollution.<\/p>\n
In response, Reflect Orbital stated it has designed safety systems to\nlimit illumination to specific areas, shut off the light rapidly, and\navoid sensitive zones such as research observatories and protected\nhabitats. The company also claims the reflected intensity is\ninsufficient to cause fires or eye damage.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/us-startup-plans-mirror-satellites-to-sell-sunlight-scientists-fear-light-pollution-1784555559", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }