Reflect Orbital, a pioneering space enterprise based in California, has unveiled an ambitious initiative to provide “sunlight on demand” through a constellation of small satellites equipped with reflective mirrors. This innovative approach aims to bolster solar energy generation by extending the availability of sunlight to solar farms beyond traditional daylight hours.
The startup plans to launch 57 satellites into low-Earth orbit, each fitted with a 33-square-foot Mylar mirror capable of reflecting sunlight. These mirrors are designed to direct additional sunlight to specific locations on Earth, effectively lengthening the day for solar farms by up to 30 minutes either side of dawn and dusk. Operators will be able to target the mirrors using a straightforward digital interface, entering GPS coordinates to receive the sunlight where and when it is most needed.
This technology promises to enhance the utility and economic viability of solar farms. By increasing the hours during which solar energy can be harvested, operators can generate power during peak demand periods in the early morning and evening when electricity prices are typically higher. This could significantly improve the efficiency and profitability of solar power.
However, the venture faces several technical and environmental challenges. Adverse weather conditions, such as heavy cloud cover or storms, could obstruct the mirrors’ ability to reflect sunlight effectively. Seasonal variations in sunlight availability and the potential for increased light pollution and disruption to astronomical research are also concerns. Reflect Orbital has acknowledged these issues and has taken steps to mitigate light pollution, including a successful preliminary test using a hot air balloon to simulate the mirrors’ capabilities.
Ben Nowack, co-founder of Reflect Orbital, reported that initial tests generated approximately 500 watts of energy per square meter of solar panel, about half the brightness of direct sunlight, indicating the potential for substantial energy production.
With the first test satellite scheduled for launch in 2025, the project has already attracted considerable interest, drawing over 30,000 applications from potential users. If successful, Reflect Orbital’s model could represent a significant advancement in renewable energy, offering a creative solution to the intermittency issues of solar power and accelerating the shift towards sustainable energy sources.