# Reflect Orbital tests ground lights and plans demonstration satellite with 59-foot mirror

- Published: 2026-11-07 22:11 UTC
- Section: Sky & Space › Space
- Tags: Reflect Orbital, space mirrors, satellite demonstration, FCC approval, solar reflector satellite, night sky light pollution
- URL: https://realtech.media/news/rt-f36148b2a3705f359e44601e_reflect_orbital_tests/

**The startup plans to launch a demonstration satellite into orbit next year after testing ground lighting in California.**

![Reflect Orbital tests ground lights and plans demonstration satellite with 59-foot mirror](https://realtech.media/media/2026/11/b70afe2d9ff8c288.webp)
*theguardian.com*

US startup Reflect Orbital conducted a ground test in the Sierra Nevada region near Lone Pine, California, using high-intensity mobile lights near Mount Whitney to simulate satellite-based nighttime illumination, theguardian.com reported. In July, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved the company's application to launch a demonstration satellite next year. The vehicle is designed to orbit at an altitude of about 400 miles (645 km) and use a 59ft-diameter mirror to direct reflected sunlight to the ground in beams 3 miles wide, with brightness adjustable from moonlight levels up to noon sunlight [1].

## Intended applications and orbital plans

The company announced plans to deploy 50,000 satellites over the next decade. Reflect Orbital stated that users could request localized lighting via a mobile application. Target use cases include assisting nighttime search-and-rescue teams, lighting agricultural fields, replacing broken street infrastructure, and redirecting sunlight onto terrestrial solar panels at night to generate electricity. Ground testing was conducted in cooperation with a local search-and-rescue service, which the company expects to be among its first users [1].

## Scientific and environmental concerns

Environmental organizations and astronomers have raised formal objections regarding the initiative. In August, four groups represented by Earthjustice petitioned the FCC to reconsider the satellite approval. Specialists cited risks of disrupted circadian rhythms in humans and interference with wildlife feeding and reproductive cycles. Astronomers noted that nighttime beams and reflective hardware would aggravate light pollution, add to orbital debris, and obstruct astronomical observations, while viewing directed sunlight through telescopes could damage eyesight [1].

## Sources

1. [theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/oct/26/california-sunlight-space-mirrors-satellites)
2. [Le Scienze](https://www.lescienze.it/spazio-e-astronomia/2026/11/04/news/luce_solare_anche_di_notte_il_controverso_progetto_di_una_start-up_statunitense-23067392)

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Source: RealTech, realtech.media — https://realtech.media/news/rt-f36148b2a3705f359e44601e_reflect_orbital_tests/