Reflect Orbital has booked flights on Vikram-1 and Vikram-1U rockets through Skyroot Aerospace to place reflective satellite constellations into low-Earth orbit. The switchable light beams are designed to cover a five-kilometre ground swathe to serve energy, industrial, and defense clients. However, researchers warn that optical scattering will eliminate visible dark skies well beyond intended targets, prompting backlash from astronomers and environmental groups over the Federal Communications Commission's decision to bypass safeguards.
Key points
Commercial space ventures are moving forward with reflective satellites despite having re…: Commercial space ventures are moving forward with reflective satellites despite having regulatory clearance limited solely to radio communications.
Environmentalists and astronomers caution that focused orbital reflections pose severe ri…: Environmentalists and astronomers caution that focused orbital reflections pose severe risks to wildlife, astronomical observations, and human circadian rhythms.
Atmospheric scattering is projected to spread artificial illumination well outside design…: Atmospheric scattering is projected to spread artificial illumination well outside designated five-kilometre target zones, diminishing visible night skies across broader regions.
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Sunlight at night, sold on demand by an American space start-up using Indian rockets, is moving from science fiction towards commercial reality. California-based Reflect Orbital plans to place giant mirrors in low-Earth orbit and steer reflected sunlight onto chosen spots on the ground after dark. Customers could include solar farms wanting longer generating hours, rescue teams searching disaster zones, and industrial sites working through the night. The company has booked two launches with Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace, tying India directly to a service no business has sold before. The first launch will use Skyroot’s Vikram-1 rocket, the second its newer Vikram-1U.
Sunlight you can dim or switch off; five-kilometre swathe, with defence sites and events in mind
According to PTI, the company intends to build a constellation of satellites rather than a single mirror. The Vikram-1U, which will fly the second mission, has additional first-stage boosters and improved performance, the company’s statement added.
The company says its sunlight can be switched off at any moment, with brightness adjustable across a five-kilometre swathe. Beyond energy and emergency work, it pitches the service…
Colorado-based manufacturer Leap has partnered with Highlands and Islands Enterprise to potentially revive the abandoned Sutherland site near Tongue. The move would mark the American firm's first international launch facility, focusing on deploying small satellites for European and British customers. Securing a new operator provides a crucial economic lifeline to the local community following the collapse of the previous commercial developer.
Stargazers are set for a dynamic lineup of astronomical phenomena throughout November 2026, including notable planetary alignments and historic deep-space achievements. The events offer viewing opportunities for unaided eyes, spanning from dawn celestial pairings to peak meteor activity. Meanwhile, NASA will observe a major deep-space communications threshold as humanity's most distant probe continues its outbound journey.
Space tracking teams confirmed the long-serving Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory concluded its mission by descending over North Sumatra, Indonesia. The multi-wavelength spacecraft dramatically exceeded its original lifespan while providing real-time alerts that enabled global researchers to observe rapidly fading deep-space phenomena. Though most parts were expected to burn upon atmospheric entry, experts noted select hardware might have endured the descent.