Some experts and enthusiasts in New Brunswick are part of a growing opposition to the ambitious plans of a U.S.-based company that aims to use space mirrors to offer artificial sunlight for a fee. The company, Reflect Orbital, has labeled its initiative as “sunlight on demand” and intends to provide it as a service for various purposes such as agriculture, solar power infrastructure, search and rescue operations, and construction projects.
Mount Allison University astronomy professor, Catherine Lovekin, expressed concerns, stating that the project could have severe implications for ground-based astronomy and backyard stargazing, which are already facing challenges due to the proliferation of satellites in orbit. Reflect Orbital, established in 2021, received approval from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission in July, despite significant public opposition.
The approval granted is for a single mirrored “demonstration” satellite to test the technology and safety measures. Reflect Orbital aims to deploy 50,000 such satellites by 2035 to reflect sunlight back to Earth over a distance of five kilometers, potentially even during nighttime. This massive deployment could significantly hinder astronomical observations and impact natural cycles like circadian rhythms and nocturnal ecosystems.
Stéphane Picard, owner of an astro-tourism organization called Cliff Valley Astronomy, echoed Lovekin’s worries. Picard highlighted the importance of dark-sky sites in New Brunswick, which allow unobstructed views of the night sky free from light pollution. The potential light pollution from Reflect Orbital’s project could jeopardize these dark-sky locations that attract tourists to rural communities in the province.
Chris Curwin, who leads the Astronomy by the Bay group in Saint John, emphasized the worsening light pollution and its detrimental effects on astronomy events. He expressed concerns about the diminishing opportunities for future generations to appreciate the beauty of the night sky due to excessive artificial light.
Reflect Orbital declined an interview but emphasized in a statement its goal of providing clean and renewable energy efficiently. The company assured that the artificial light would be targeted and regulated, with exclusion zones to protect astronomical observation sites. Despite these assurances, concerns have been raised by astronomy experts worldwide, including in British Columbia and Australia, as well as organizations like Dark Sky Consulting and the American Astronomical Society.
The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs acknowledged the lack of specific prohibitions on placing reflective objects in orbit but stressed the importance of consultation and obligation to other states. The responsibility for regulating such initiatives lies with individual countries, with the need to create laws governing these services.
