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₹4.5 Lakh An Hour For Sunlight? This Startup Plans To ‘Light Up’ Earth After Sunset — Here’s How It Will Work
₹4.5 Lakh An Hour For Sunlight? This Startup Plans To ‘Light Up’ Earth After Sunset — Here’s How It Will Work
A startup is developing a technology that could make it possible to reflect sunlight back to Earth even after dark. Yes, you read that right. The concept involves satellites equipped with large mirrors that would redirect sunlight towards specific areas on Earth at night. The idea recently gained widespread attention online after a video explaining the concept began circulating on social media.
The clip introduces viewers to the unusual concept. It explains how the company behind the idea plans to use satellites in space to redirect sunlight towards specific locations on Earth when it is already night there.
In the video, the narrator says: “This company selling sunlight by putting mirrors in space. Basically like the Uber Eats of the sunlight."
The company mentioned in the video is Reflect Orbital, a California-based startup which is exploring the possibility of reflecting sunlight from space using specially designed satellites.
How The Technology Would Work
The concept may sound futuristic, but the company says it is based on a fairly simple principle: bouncing sunlight.
Reflect Orbital plans to send satellites into a sun-synchronous polar orbit, roughly 600 to 625 kilometres above Earth. In this orbit, the satellites travel along the boundary between day and night, known as the terminator line. Because of this position, they remain exposed to sunlight even when the area below them on Earth has already turned dark.
Each satellite would carry large reflective surfaces that unfold once they reach space. These mirrors, expected to be made from lightweight materials like Mylar, could measure anywhere between 10 metres and 54 metres across.
The mirrors would also be motorised and programmable, which will allow them to tilt and redirect sunlight towards a chosen location on Earth.
Requesting A ‘Spotlight’ From Space
People can request sunlight through an app or website. After receiving a request, the satellite would adjust its mirror and reflect sunlight toward the selected GPS location.
But the illumination would only last for a short period. Because satellites in Low Earth Orbit move extremely quickly. Each satellite could shine light on a location for about four minutes during a single pass.
How Bright The Reflected Light Could Be
When directed towards Earth, the reflected sunlight would create a circular patch of light on the ground measuring around 3 to 5 miles (about 5 kilometres) across.
The brightness of this light could range between 0.8 and 2.3 lux, which is roughly similar to the glow of a full moon. In some situations, the light could even appear up to four times brighter than natural moonlight.
Since satellites move rapidly in orbit, maintaining constant light in one place would require a large number of satellites working together and passing the beam from one to another.
What The Company Says It Could Be Used For
Reflect Orbital believes the technology could have several practical uses if it becomes operational.
One potential application is in energy production, where solar farms could continue generating electricity for longer hours with the help of reflected sunlight.
The company also suggests the system could support industrial operations and agriculture. It could allow work to continue longer at remote locations, or help farmers adjust lighting cycles for crops.
In emergency situations, the satellites could provide temporary illumination over disaster zones or search-and-rescue areas to improve visibility during nighttime operations.
For everyday use, the idea could even extend to lighting up large outdoor events or certain public spaces.
A post shared by Jenisha Shah (@jenisha_19)
Prototype Satellite Already Planned
Reflect Orbital has already proposed a prototype satellite named Earendil-1. The spacecraft is expected to operate in an orbit roughly 400 miles (640 kilometres) above Earth.
The prototype would carry a mirror measuring around 60 feet (18.3 metres). If successfully deployed, it could illuminate a patch of ground roughly three miles (4.8 kilometres) wide and produce light similar in brightness to moonlight.
Investors Back The Idea, But Scientists Have Concerns
According to The Jerusalem Post, the startup has raised over US$28 million from investors so far. It also revealed that Sequoia is backing the project, which it describes as the firm’s first space investment since SpaceX. Earlier, the company had raised US$6.5 million and reportedly received more than 10,000 inquiries about the concept.
At the same time, the idea has raised concerns among scientists and astronomers. Experts worry that large mirrors reflecting sunlight back to Earth could affect the natural darkness of the night sky and potentially interfere with astronomical observations.
According to Gizmodo, Reflect Orbital has applied to the US Federal Communications Commission for approval.
From Pricing To 50,000 Satellites: Reflect Orbital’s Big Plan
Reflect Orbital’s chief executive, Ben Nowack, told The New York Times that the company plans to charge around $5,000 (approximately Rs 4.59 lakh) per hour for the light reflected by a single mirror. The pricing would apply to customers who sign an annual contract for at least 1,000 hours of service.
The company is also moving ahead with its development timeline. After the initial prototype, two additional prototype satellites could be launched within the next year.
Looking further ahead, Reflect Orbital hopes to scale the project significantly. The startup aims to have around 1,000 larger satellites in orbit by the end of 2028, with the number increasing to 5,000 satellites by 2030.
Ultimately, the company says its long-term goal is to deploy a full constellation of about 50,000 satellites by 2035.
Source: News18
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