The U.S. has authorized Reflect Orbital to launch Earendil-1, a satellite equipped with an 18-meter thin-film reflector designed to bounce sunlight back to Earth during nighttime hours. The reflector can illuminate a strip roughly 5 kilometers wide on the ground, opening possibilities for supplementing solar farms after dark and assisting rescue teams in disaster-struck areas.
The technology carries real benefits—extending renewable energy generation and enabling emergency response in remote regions. However, astronomers and safety experts have raised concerns. The orbiting mirror could interfere with astronomical observations, create glare hazards for drivers and pilots, and pose potential risks to human vision. Balancing innovation with these environmental and safety considerations will be crucial as the mission proceeds.
