Reflect Orbital Draws Backlash After Night-Sky Light Test

US space startup Reflect Orbital is facing strong criticism after a test of its plan to sell sunlight after dark, a project it calls "Sunlight as a Service". The idea is to use mirrors in orbit to reflect solar rays toward specific places on Earth and provide lighting at night.

The company unveiled the plan in 2024, and it has raised questions about possible side effects ever since. Some regions already see near-continuous daylight at certain times of year, which has benefited activities such as sport. Reflect Orbital wants to offer something similar to far more people.

A test that startled a California town

According to Sky & Telescope, the company ran a test on 10 October that surprised residents of Independence, California. Bright lights appeared in the night sky above the Sierra Nevada and lit an area of about 3 miles. Photos spread on social media, drawing questions and sarcastic comments.

The company has not launched any satellites yet. Instead, it used giant floodlights to simulate a moonbeam. The test therefore did not involve the space mirrors at the heart of the plan, but it made local residents far more aware of the project's possible consequences and pushed them to turn to environmental groups.

Local resident Jaime Lopez Walters told the magazine the proposal suddenly became real after people saw the light shining over the dark desert. "It brought an international issue to our area," he said.

Environmental concerns

Jan Hasselman, a senior attorney at the environmental group Earthjustice, was blunt in comments to The Guardian. "This is a foolish project," he said, pointing to a large number of unresolved questions and significant potential effects. He argued that life on Earth evolved around the rhythm of day and night, and that a great deal of data shows tampering with it is a bad idea.

The backlash highlights worries about altering natural nighttime lighting. Reflect Orbital, meanwhile, is still developing its concept of reflecting sunlight onto chosen locations after dark.