Reflect Orbital's Ambitious Plan to Sell Sunlight After Dark

Reflect Orbital's Game-Changing Concept

Reflect Orbital is taking an ambitious leap into solar technology by attempting to sell sunlight and energy after the sun sets. With the help of orbiting satellite mirrors, the plan is to reflect sunlight onto designated spots on Earth, transforming the night into a source of light. CEO Ben Nowack teased this vision during the recent International Conference on Energy from Space, where he outlined the ease of ordering sunlight via a website.

The Practicalities and Skepticism

However, questions born from skepticism surround this radiant idea. While a promotional video demonstrated a working app that claims to bring sunlight to the dark, it is crucial to consider potential limitations. Notably, the source of light in the demonstration remains ambiguous; there is speculation about the possibility of a drone acting as the light source. Although Reflect Orbital has conducted tests with mirrors, progress towards launching satellites remains in the pipeline.

• Pending Satellite Launches: Previous statements indicate the company aims to send its first reflector into space within months.
• Growing Interest: Interestingly, there have been over 30,000 applications requesting spots of light, signaling potential public interest in this novel service.
• Environmental Concerns: Many questions arise about the repercussions of introducing satellite-based illumination on flora and fauna.

Exploring Future Possibilities

While the video's allure captivates the imagination, significant hurdles remain before light can be commoditized effectively. From operational challenges to environmental considerations, Reflect Orbital's big dream has more groundwork to cover. For now, the idea has undeniably sparked discussions on how new technologies can reshape energy consumption and distribution in the future.