Reflect Orbital Sells Sunlight at Night with Innovative Satellite Mirrors

Reflect Orbital's Ambitious Solar Venture

Reflect Orbital is set on transforming the energy landscape by selling sunlight and energy after the sun sets. This California-based startup is launching satellite mirrors to reflect sunlight onto Earth, allowing users to pinpoint their desired location through an app.

A New Dawn for Solar Energy?

• Ben Nowack, founder and CEO, emphasizes user convenience, allowing customers to log into a website to identify their GPS coordinates for sunlight delivery.
• The website features a map with a function to reserve a spot of light, promising delivery in Q4 2025.

Video Demonstration Sparks Skepticism

The promotional video posted by Nowack raised eyebrows due to its fantastical claims. While it illustrated the concept of pinpointing sunlight, the practical application remains under scrutiny. Nowack acknowledged that it was a simple demonstration and that significant developments are still necessary.

Questions Loom Over Reflect Orbital's Technology

• Reflecting sunlight on a large scale to multiple clients remains a complex challenge.
• The startup has yet to launch any satellites, although preliminary testing with mirrors on a hot air balloon has occurred.

Despite the skepticism, Reflect Orbital garners attention, with co-founder Tristan Semmelhack announcing over 30,000 applications for sunlight reservations—a clear sign of interest in their innovative approach.

Reflect Orbital's approach raises vital questions regarding environmental impacts and the practicality of such technology, but it undeniably shines a light on new possibilities in the energy sector as they aim to create a constellation of satellites to potentially commoditize sunlight.