Why the uproar over the ‘space mirror’ they are determined to place in Earth orbit…why? - 경향신문

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An artist’s impression of the ‘space mirror’ satellite that the US company Reflect Orbital plans to launch later this year. Courtesy of Reflect Orbital

In Earth orbit, with blue oceans and white clouds below, an artificial satellite floats serenely. But at a glance, this spacecraft looks strange. A large rectangular mirror is attached to its body. Earth’s image is clearly reflected in the mirror.

Humanity has mainly used satellites for communications links or Earth observation. Simply hanging a gleaming mirror on a satellite is highly unusual. The purpose of this ‘odd’ satellite is to brighten the ground by reflecting sunlight arriving from the Sun. It is a tool that creates artificial daylight to push back the darkness of night.

Yet the launch of this satellite, which seems like something from a science-fiction movie, appears set to become reality later this year. It would mean humans could intervene in what has been regarded as the realm of nature, the alternation of day and night. Expectations and concerns are split. What will happen on Earth?

The US government agency Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced on the 9th that it had approved an application by the US company Reflect Orbital to manufacture and launch a satellite that reflects sunlight from space down to the ground. It granted permission to launch one test satellite. The planned launch date is late this year.

The satellite Reflect Orbital plans to launch is called ‘Earendil-1’. It is slated to operate in low Earth orbit, meaning an altitude of several hundred ㎞. Immediately after the FCC approval, Reflect Orbital said, “This recognizes the importance of this attempt to test a new technology.”

The Earendil-1 main bus is about the size of a large household refrigerator. Once in low Earth orbit, a glistening, thin metallic filmthe ‘space mirror’that had been rolled up on the body unfurls wide. Each side of the space mirror measures 18ｍ. It is larger than half the area of a basketball court (28ｍ by 15ｍ).

This massive space mirror reflects sunlight toward a specific region on the ground. The ‘target’ is a place blanketed by night’s darkness. Customers staying in or residing within the target area will witness the uncanny sight of sunlight pouring down from the night sky.

Including the satellite approved this time, Reflect Orbital plans to launch a total of two satellites within this year. If so, it would be able to illuminate a 5㎞-diameter area on Earth for about five minutes a day with the brightness of a full moon.

A conceptual illustration of directing sunlight from a ‘space mirror’ satellite onto a ground-based solar power plant after sunset. Electricity could be generated continuously even during nighttime. Courtesy of Reflect Orbital

But Reflect Orbital’s goal does not stop at achieving full-moon-level illumination. It plans to rapidly increase the number of sunlight-reflecting satellites to send much stronger light to the ground.

In 2028 it intends to grow the constellation to more than 1,000 satellites, and ultimately to reach around 50,000 by 2035. If achieved, it could bathe a 5㎞-diameter area where a customer is located in 100㏓ of light around the clock. That is similar to the cozy indoor lighting used in living rooms or restaurants. It is sufficient to recognize the presence or movement of objects without inconvenience.

If the illumination time is shortened to about three hours, the brightness can be greatly increased. It would be possible to turn pitch-black night into the level of daytime under thin clouds (up to 36,000㏓). In a place where sunlight of that intensity pours down, night would all but disappear.

Where could this technology be used? First, it could be applied to running solar power plants at night. With current technology, solar power cannot be generated at night at all, but reflecting sunlight with a satellite would make it possible.

It could also be used to continue rescue operations at night in areas hit by major disasters. As the golden time approaches, crews could search tirelessly for the missing by relying on reflected sunlight. It could be used to control crop growth cycles as well, increasing agricultural yields by boosting insolation.

At first glance it may look like nothing but advantages, but the scientific community thinks otherwise. The American Astronomical Society (AAS) expressed strong concern in an official statement on the 13th.

The AAS emphasized, “The plan to reflect sunlight toward the ground will be a potential risk factor for research communities that depend on a dark night sky.” It warned that an unexpected burst of bright light in the night sky could damage instruments inside telescopes or injure observers’ eyes. It also noted the possibility of obstructing the views of airplane pilots or car drivers.

The AAS is a leading US research organization and a scientific body with global authority. The statement therefore carries considerable weight. It could affect Reflect Orbital’s future saellite launch plans.

Reflect Orbital’s basic position, however, is that its satellites are safe. It says the reflected sunlight can be cut off quickly at any time depending on the situation, and that it can adjust the space mirror’s angle so that light does not descend on locations with astronomical observing equipment. In particular, it claims the reflected light is not bright enough to harm the eyes.

Even so, concerns are likely to persist over the fact that this would artificially alter the natural order of alternating day and night. Nocturnal animals could find it harder to move about outdoors. It could introduce unexpected variables into human sleep patterns. With space-mirror technology on the verge of commercialization, voices worrying about its impact on Earth are likely to continue for the time being.