Reflect Orbital, a startup based in California, is developing an approach to enhance solar power production by providing sunlight after dark. The company plans to launch a series of satellites equipped with large mirrors that can reflect sunlight onto specific areas on Earth. The primary aim is to maximize the productivity of solar farms by offering sunlight on demand, particularly at night, when solar panels would otherwise be inactive.
The idea of using space-based reflectors to provide sunlight isn't entirely new. In the 1990s, Russia's Znamya project experimented with satellites that had large reflectors designed to direct sunlight to Earth. The goal was to illuminate areas during nighttime or regions with limited sunlight. However, the project faced numerous technical difficulties and was eventually discontinued.
Reflect Orbital, founded by Ben Nowack and Tristan Semmelhack, is creating a constellation of satellites capable of reflecting sunlight to Earth. Nowack, the company's CEO, has been outspoken about the potential of their technology to revolutionize the solar energy industry by ensuring continuous power generation even during nighttime hours.
Reflect Orbital recently conducted a successful prototype test, using a hot-air balloon equipped with a large mirror to reflect sunlight onto a mobile solar farm. The company's next step is to deploy their satellite-based mirrors, with delivery expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025.
According to the Reflect Orbital website, applications for their sunlight service will close this October, with limited availability. Each deployment of sunlight will last approximately four minutes and cover an area with a diameter of about three miles.