Overview
- Reflect Orbital carried out a recent ground simulation near Lone Pine using high‑wattage spotlights to mimic the effect of its planned space mirrors during search‑and‑rescue drills.
- The company says it obtained local permits, coordinated with Edwards Air Force Base and police, and has bought two launches from India’s Skyroot Aerospace to test a 60‑foot prototype mirror called Eärendil‑1.
- Astronomers say the reflected sunlight would create strong new light pollution, could wash out observations and might permanently harm amateur telescope users’ eyes.
- Environmental groups and scientists warn the beams could disrupt nocturnal animals and natural day/night rhythms and that beams may scatter far beyond intended target zones.
- Critics also point to unresolved regulatory and governance gaps, questions about choosing foreign launches, and risks the technology could be repurposed for surveillance or military uses.