Space mirrors

Solar panels only generate power when the sun is shining, and everyone knows you can’t make the sun shine on demand. What the startup Reflect Orbital proposes is: maybe you can? Cofounded by a SpaceX veteran, the company proposes to launch satellites with targetable mirrors that can redirect sunlight to the dark side of the earth. The main idea is to produce more frequently-available solar generation, but the company also proposes using the technique to assist in search and rescue and other disaster response.

The proposal is taking a step forward, with the FCC approving a demonstration satellite. This piece from Hiroko Tabuchi does a good job of laying out the appeal of the idea (plentiful solar power!) and the real possible downsides, like disruptions to astronomical observations and animals’ circadian rhythms.