WTF in Space: Reflect Orbital proposed a bold plan to launch a large number of "space mirrors" into Earth's orbit and surprisingly enough, the FCC gave the idea the green light. Now, experts and researchers are warning that the project could have potentially dangerous effects on human health and the planet's natural cycles.
In July, the FCC approved Reflect Orbital's proposal to deploy satellites capable of reflecting sunlight from orbit. These "space mirrors" are designed to redirect sunlight toward specific areas of the planet's surface, with potential benefits for power generation and other applications. Experts continue to debate the plan, while the California-based startup is betting on its technology's "safeguards."
The "mirrors in space" concept is certainly worth discussing, as the nearly 2,000 public comments received by the FCC demonstrate. A new critical assessment comes from Robert Massey, deputy executive director of the Royal Astronomical Society. In a recent interview, Massey described the FCC's approval as "extraordinary."
Reflect Orbital is now planning to launch Eärendil-1, its first space-mirror prototype. Experts warn that amateur astronomers observing the satellite could risk serious eye damage. Looking directly at sunlight reflected from the device could be comparable to viewing the Sun without adequate eye protection, with Massey describing the potential exposure as a significant risk to human health.
Amateur stargazers would have no easy way to know exactly where Eärendil-1 is located in Earth's orbit at a given time, so they could potentially be exposed to harmful reflected sunlight even if they tried to avoid it. By approving Reflect Orbital's plan in July, the FCC determined that the proposal could proceed despite concerns about its potential effects.
And it's not just astronomy hobbyists. The Air Line Pilots Association has expressed concerns about air safety. Space mirrors could also disrupt sleep and the circadian rhythms of migratory species. Meanwhile, chronobiologists have warned that a large-scale deployment of light-reflecting satellites could significantly alter the planet's natural nighttime ecosystem.
Massey also highlighted concerns that space mirrors could interfere with humanity's natural view of the night sky, which he considers part of our shared heritage. Reflect Orbital spokesman Christopher Buscombe said the company is actively engaging with astronomers and researchers, although he believes the technology behind Eärendil-1 is already safe enough.
The space-mirror prototype isn't in orbit yet, but the startup is already thinking ahead. Reflect Orbital plans to launch thousands of satellites by the end of the decade, with the goal of having 50,000 mirrors in orbit by 2035.