Reflect Orbital's 2026 experiment: mirror satellites to reflect sunlight onto Earth

American startup Reflect Orbital plans to begin an experiment in 2026 to reflect sunlight onto Earth using orbital satellites. The company proposes spacecraft with large mirrors that can steer reflected light to selected points on the planet. The idea has quickly stirred debate: supporters see new possibilities for infrastructure and emergency work, while scientists warn about risks to astronomy and the ecology of the night sky.

As BODA.SU reports, the project is presented as a sunlight-on-request service. Reflect Orbital says temporary illumination could help remote areas, construction and emergency operations, as well as military and civilian tasks where nighttime visibility matters. The company also lists potential support for solar power, though that point draws the most skepticism from specialists.

Under current plans, the first demonstration launch could take place in spring 2026. The company wants to run a series of showcase sessions, directing reflected light at several sites around the world to prove the technology can be controlled. Looking ahead, Reflect Orbital does not hide its ambition to deploy a large constellation—discussions mention thousands of satellites, which would push the project well beyond a one-off experiment.

Technically, the concept relies on large-area mirrors that briefly orient toward a chosen patch of Earth. The lighting footprint is expected to be limited rather than covering vast territories. Even so, astronomers are uneasy: mirror satellites could intensify light pollution, interfere with observations, and increase the number of telescope images spoiled by glare.

There are also questions about impacts on living nature and safety. Nighttime light can disrupt the biorhythms of animals and humans, and scaling the project would make outcomes harder to predict. Scientists point to risks for aviation and the persistent problem of space debris. Reflect Orbital maintains that illumination would be brief and tightly controlled, but only the first trials will show whether sunlight beamed from orbit turns into a practical tool or a new source of trouble.