Reflect Orbital tests daylight-like satellite beams over California
A Reflect Orbital test illuminated the night sky over California, prompting concerns from environmental groups and astronomers about potential impacts on wildlife and the night environment.
A startup called Reflect Orbital conducted a ground test on Oct. 10 that projected bright beams of light into the night sky over California's Sierra Nevada. The demonstration, carried out with China Lake Mountain Rescue, produced daylight-like illumination in a three-mile-wide band and is part of the company's plan to eventually launch up to 50,000 satellites equipped with mirrors that could reflect sunlight after dark. The Federal Communications Commission has approved a demonstration satellite for 2027 that could generate light comparable to noon sunlight, which the company says could aid search-and-rescue operations, agriculture, street lighting and military activities. Environmental organizations and astronomers have urged the FCC to reconsider the project, citing possible disruptions to wildlife, human sleep patterns, astronomical observations and the natural night sky. > "This project would interfere with the natural day-night cycle that all life on Earth has evolved to follow," said Jan Hasselman, an attorney with Earthjustice.