Sunlight for sale: Giant space mirror could one day bring daylight to Earth at night
The Federal Communications Commission approved a proposal allowing a company to turn night into day - literally.
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The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved a proposal allowing a company to turn night into day — literally.
The commission approved the approval from California start-up company Reflect Orbital, which aims to tap into and expand upon the solar potential that powers so much of our planet.
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The company aims to launch a space satellite mirror that will beam sunlight onto desired spots on Earth.
Photo of NASA's Swift satellite.
(NASA)
The American Astronomical Society petitioned against the new technology, arguing it would contribute to light pollution and interfere with research telescopes.
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Still, the FCC is not required to conduct an environmental review for satellite launches.
Agriculture - Field of mid growth pre-tassel stage grain corn at sunset with a farmstead in the distance / Marshalltown, Iowa, USA.
(Bill Barksdale /Design Pics Editorial/Universal Images Group via Getty Images / Getty Images)
The FCC’s approval clears the path to test the technology for up to two years.
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The company's long-term goal would be a constellation of up to 50,000 orbiting mirrors that could extend solar panel operations past sunset, influence overnight agricultural growth, illuminate disaster and industrial work zones and much more.
This photo shows the emergency response to flash flooding in Cleveland County, Oklahoma, on Tuesday, June 4, 2024.
(ClevelandCountySheriff/Facebook)
The first test will be operated by a satellite carrying a large mirror called Earendil-1, which will project a roughly 3-mile-wide beam of light over a targeted area.
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This would revolutionize a variety of daily practices worldwide, offering the opportunity to play a significant role in economic, agricultural, and environmental practices.