Reflect Orbital tests space-based sunlight beam in California desert
A California startup demonstrated a ground-based simulation of its planned satellite mirrors that could illuminate nighttime areas, drawing interest from rescue teams and criticism from astronomers.
Residents of Lone Pine, California, observed bright beams lighting the desert south of the town on Saturday night. The illumination was part of a test by Reflect Orbital, a startup developing satellite mirrors intended to reflect sunlight onto specific locations after dark.
The company installed powerful spotlights along Horseshoe Meadows Road near Mount Whitney to mimic the light a future satellite could provide. The exercise involved China Lake Mountain Rescue volunteers conducting grid searches and other rescue drills under the artificial light.
"We mounted powerful mobile lighting near the peak of Mt. Whitney to recreate the light spot our satellites will deliver," Christopher Buscombe, a spokesperson for Reflect Orbital, said in an email.
Phillip Cash, operations leader for China Lake Mountain Rescue, said the light was slightly brighter than a full moon and allowed visibility of roughly three miles in all directions, making terrain navigation easier. He noted that rescue teams are already proficient at night-time operations.
Reflect Orbital announced it has secured two rocket launches from Skyroot Aerospace to place its mirror satellites in orbit and has obtained FCC permission for its first spacecraft. The firm expects search-and-rescue agencies to be among its initial customers.
The proposal has attracted criticism from astronomers and dark-sky advocates who warn that reflected sunlight could interfere with astronomical observations, disrupt wildlife, and affect natural light-dark cycles. Ruskin Hartley, CEO of DarkSky International, expressed strong concern, describing the project as an unprecedented assault on the nighttime environment.