Space Mirrors - Reflect Orbital's Plan

Introduction to Space Mirrors

California-based Reflect Orbital is planning to place giant mirrors in low-Earth orbit to steer reflected sunlight onto chosen spots on the ground after dark. The company has booked two launches with Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace, marking a significant milestone in the development of this technology.

The mirrors will be used to provide sunlight to customers such as solar farms, rescue teams, and industrial sites working through the night. The company claims that its sunlight can be switched off at any moment, with brightness adjustable across a five-kilometre swathe.

History of Space Mirrors

In 1993, Russian scientists and engineers sent a 65-foot mirror into orbit and used it to send a roving beam of sunlight down to Earth. The experiment, named Znamya, was successful, but it was shelved due to lack of funds.

The United States regulator licensed the demonstration satellite, but not the light it would reflect. The Federal Communications Commission authorised Reflect Orbital in July to deploy and operate Eärendil-1, its first orbital demonstrator.

Concerns over Light Pollution

A peer-reviewed study in The Astrophysical Journal Letters modelled the effects of reflected sunlight on the night sky. The study found that the resulting sky glow could stay substantial far beyond the target area, potentially affecting the night sky up to 30 kilometres away.

The study's authors warn that the pollution could far exceed the upward glow of a town of similar size, since street lighting covers only a small share of a town's area. They also note that thin high cloud lit by the beam could make the pollution visible from much larger distances.

• The sky glow could outshine a full Moon across most of the sky at 14 kilometres from the beam.
• The sky towards the beam could still be brighter than under a full Moon at 34 kilometres.
• The night sky is lost within the illuminated patch, with the ground lit to roughly 9.5 lux, about street-light level.

Regulatory Challenges

The launch of Eärendil-1 from India requires authorisation from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre. The centre's rules cover launch safety, registration, and environmental effects, and they specifically require operators to limit negative effects on Earth or in space.

However, jurisdiction is unclear, with Reflect Orbital being American, Skyroot and the launch site being Indian, and the spacecraft potentially illuminating territory in a third country. This raises questions about who has the authority to regulate the use of space mirrors and how to address concerns over light pollution.

Future of Space Mirrors

Reflect Orbital's plans involve building a constellation of satellites, with the wider plan involving about 50,000 mirrors. However, the potential effects of such a large number of mirrors on the night sky are still unknown, and regulators will need to carefully consider the implications of this technology.

Implications for India

The launch of space mirrors from India could have significant implications for the country's space industry. With the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre responsible for regulating the launch, India could play a crucial role in shaping the future of space mirror technology.

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However, concerns over light pollution and regulatory challenges will need to be addressed. The Indian government will need to balance the benefits of this technology with the potential risks to the environment and the night sky.

What to Watch Next

As Reflect Orbital moves forward with its plans to launch space mirrors, several key developments will be worth watching. The company's ability to address concerns over light pollution and regulatory challenges will be crucial to the success of this technology.

The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre's decision on the launch of Eärendil-1 will set a precedent for future launches. Additionally, the reaction of astronomers, local communities, and regulators to the launch will provide valuable insights into the potential implications of this technology.

Expert Perspective

Experts in the field of space technology and astronomy are closely watching the development of space mirrors. While some see the potential benefits of this technology, others are concerned about the potential risks to the environment and the night sky.

Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a leading expert in space technology, notes that the launch of space mirrors raises important questions about the regulation of space activities and the potential impacts on the environment. 'The use of space mirrors to provide sunlight on demand is a complex issue that requires careful consideration of the potential risks and benefits,' she says.

Timeline of Space Mirror Development

The development of space mirrors has been a long and complex process. Here is a brief timeline of the major milestones:

• 1993: Russian scientists and engineers send a 65-foot mirror into orbit and use it to send a roving beam of sunlight down to Earth.
• 2022: Reflect Orbital announces plans to launch space mirrors to provide sunlight on demand.
• 2023: The Federal Communications Commission authorises Reflect Orbital to deploy and operate Eärendil-1, its first orbital demonstrator.
• 2024: The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre is expected to make a decision on the launch of Eärendil-1 from India.