California-based aerospace innovator Reflect Orbital has formally applied to the relevant government body for authorization to deploy its initial technology demonstrator, EARENDIL-1. The mission, currently targeted for an April 2026 launch, is designed to test the viability of reflecting concentrated sunlight onto specific terrestrial zones to extend usable daylight hours. The core purpose of this demonstration is to validate the satellite's capacity to enhance solar power generation during twilight periods, representing a novel approach to renewable energy capture.
Reflect Orbital envisions this test as the precursor to a much larger undertaking: a constellation comprising over 4,000 satellites operating in sun-synchronous orbits by the year 2030, providing illumination on demand. The company has already secured backing, including a $1.25 million Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract from the U.S. Air Force in May. The initial test satellite, EARENDIL-1, will feature a mirror measuring 60 by 60 feet (18 by 18 meters) to direct a soft, moonlike glow onto designated test sites. The company has indicated that the service is highly localized, with each reflection covering a defined 5-kilometer area for a finite period.
This venture, which promises to deliver light when the sun has set, has drawn significant apprehension from astronomers. John Berentine, an expert at the Silverado Hills Observatory, noted that the reflected beam could be four times brighter than the full moon, causing widespread impact through atmospheric scattering. Astronomers warn that such intense reflected light could interfere with sensitive astronomical observations and disrupt the established rhythms of nocturnal ecosystems. The plan, which aims to provide light on demand, has also raised concerns about orbital sustainability, especially considering founder Ben Nowack has previously floated the idea of a constellation reaching up to 250,000 satellites.
Reflect Orbital has stated its intent to proceed with caution, planning to execute a thorough environmental impact assessment prior to scaling up the full constellation. The 2026 mission is framed as a collaborative opportunity with experts to precisely map out ecological sensitivities at various service locations. While the immediate focus is on the demonstration, the long-term vision includes offering emergency illumination in disaster zones or replacing urban lighting. The unfolding licensing process and the subsequent demonstration will serve as a crucial juncture for assessing the interplay between technological advancement and ecological stewardship.