Reflect Orbital Stages Unannounced California Spotlight Test, Alarming Astronomers Over 18-Mile Light Spill
Updated
Updated · Futurism · Oct 28
Reflect Orbital Stages Unannounced California Spotlight Test, Alarming Astronomers Over 18-Mile Light Spill
3 articles · Updated · Futurism · Oct 28
Summary
Reflect Orbital earlier this month lit a mountainside near Lone Pine, California, with powerful spotlights to mimic its planned mirror satellites, without notifying local astronomers or apparently local officials.
A company photo showed illumination brighter than a full Moon, and critics say the test underscored how the startup’s “sunlight-as-a-service” concept could flood the night sky with artificial light.
One recent paper found the beams could spill more than 18 miles beyond the intended target, potentially ruining observations and even risking eye damage for telescope users looking directly at the satellites.
The backlash now extends beyond astronomers to environmental and climate scientists, who warn of harm to nocturnal wildlife, disruption of day-night rhythms and broader questions over who controls the night sky.
Reflect Orbital says the system could aid solar power, search-and-rescue and disaster response, while seeking early test launches from India after the FCC approved a prototype in the United States.