GoKawiilReflect Orbital pitches orbital mirrors to beam sunlight to Earth for $5,000 an hour
Startup Reflect Orbital is developing a satellite constellation equipped with large reflective mirrors designed to redirect sunlight to specific locations on Earth after dark. The company envisions customers such as solar farms seeking extended power generation and disaster zones needing emergency illumination, with pricing floated around $5,000 per hour of light delivery.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
If viable, the technology could turn sunlight itself into a purchasable utility, opening new revenue models for space companies beyond communications and imaging. However, beaming concentrated light from orbit raises unresolved questions about safety, light pollution, astronomical interference, and regulatory oversight that could shape whether such a service is ever permitted at scale.
- Reflect Orbital proposes using orbital mirrors to redirect sunlight to targeted ground locations after sunset.
- Potential customers include solar power facilities and disaster-response operations needing extra light.
- Pricing has been suggested at roughly $5,000 per hour, though safety and regulatory concerns remain open questions.
Source: fastcompany.com, 2026-11-03
Published there as: “The next big subscription service could be sunlight. And it might cost $5,000 an hour”
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