The U.S. just approved a giant space mirror to test ‘sunlight on demand.’ Low Earth orbit is getting weird
The FCC has approved Reflect Orbital to test a satellite designed to reflect sunlight back to Earth for on-demand lighting. Critics and scientists warn that the project could disrupt circadian rhythms and interfere with astronomical observations.
Reflect Orbital’s plans to have more than 50,000 satellites reflecting sunlight back to earth could disrupt the circadian rhythms of plants, animals and humans. (Unsplash/Mariana Proença) The U.S. just approved a giant space mirror to test ‘sunlight on demand.’ Low Earth orbit is getting weird Published: July 10, 2026 7:25pm EDT https://theconversation.com/the-u-s-just-approved-a-giant-space-mirror-to-test-sunlight-on-demand-low-earth-orbit-is-getting-weird-283482 https://theconversation.com/the-u-s-just-approved-a-giant-space-mirror-to-test-sunlight-on-demand-low-earth-orbit-is-getting-weird-283482 Link copied Share article Share article
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