California Startup Plans Satellite Mirrors to Reflect Sunlight onto Earth at Night

Reflect Orbital, a California startup, plans to deploy up to 50,000 satellites equipped with large mirrors in sun-synchronous polar orbit to reflect sunlight onto Earth at night. The technology aims to illuminate areas for events, emergency services, and solar power extension, charging about $5,000 per hour for illumination. While the concept has gained viral attention and investor funding, some express concerns about environmental impacts and disruption to wildlife. The company targets initial launches by 2028 and full deployment by 2030.