Reflect Orbital

Reflect Orbital launched from Hawthorne, California in 2021 with a singular vision: to deploy massive mirrors in orbit that reflect sunlight down to Earth. The company designs satellites capable of beaming light onto specific regions at night, aiming to extend solar energy generation windows for ground panels and provide emergency illumination where grid access fails. Early backing came from heavy hitters like Sequoia Capital, Lux Capital, and Starship Ventures, signaling strong confidence in their deep-tech approach.

The path to flight required navigating complex regulatory hurdles. In July 2026, the Federal Communications Commission granted approval for the launch of the first demonstration satellite, Eärendil-1. This mission was scheduled to ride on a SpaceX vehicle later that year, marking a critical step toward the firm's long-term goal of managing a constellation of up to 50,000 reflectors by 2035.

Despite securing regulatory clearance, the project has faced intense scrutiny from astronomers and environmental groups. Critics argue that the cumulative brightness of the proposed fleet could make the night sky 40 times brighter than the full moon in certain areas, creating severe light pollution comparable to major cities like London. Organizations such as DarkSky International petitioned the FCC to reverse its decision, citing risks to wildlife behavior and astronomical observations. Reflect Orbital maintains that their safety protocols minimize interference while delivering essential humanitarian and energy benefits. [edit]