Sunlight is an abundant source of energy for Earth. However, human civilisation has yet to be able to harness a few per cent of the solar energy from the Sun. One company named Reflect Orbital is one step ahead of the others when using solar power on Earth. The firm plans to build large-scale reflectors and send them into space, from where they will reflect sunlight to regions where the Sun has already set. And as sci-fi as it sounds, it’s a possible reality in the upcoming future.
Sunlight At Night?
Even though sunlight at night is fictional, it’s a century-old idea of Hermann Oberth. Also, the Soviet Union had something in mind for using sunlight in the cold regions of the whole regime. However, all the plans faced a lot of criticism and regulations regarding the environment. Thus, nothing was ever finalised in a proper project.
Reflect Orbital Quest To Sell Sunlight At Night
The California-based startup plans to focus on sustainable lighting and energy solutions for people. It’s clear that the maximum proportion of sunlight is wasted, and that’s why the company is focused on harnessing solar energy. The company even raised $6.5 million in seed funding led by Sequoia. So, it’s evident that it’s happening, and it’s interesting to see if people are actually willing to pay for sunlight at night.
How It All Works
Diverting sunlight from space requires many components. One of those is using mirrors in space to reflect sunlight back to Earth. But as simple as it sounds, there are many complications, including major obstacles like distance, intensity, and even communication. However, the people at Reflect Orbital are ready for any sort of challenge, as now they even have the capital to fund the whole project.
Significant Challenges And Backlash For The Theory
It’s not easy to reflect sunlight in outer space. It is one of the most challenging human projects of recent times. It takes a lot of money and has various technological complications. Plus, many environmentalists are already criticising the plan with different points like distraction to natural animals or light pollution. So, with all these challenges, it’s interesting to see the proper execution of the project.
- High Cost and Feasibility
- Technological Complexity
- Orbital Debris Risk
- Environmental Concerns
- Public Opposition
- Energy Transmission Issues
- Space Militarisation Fears
Conclusion
Reflect Orbital plans to sell sunlight at night, a concept that has faced criticism due to environmental concerns and high costs. The California-based startup plans to build large-scale reflectors in space to reflect sunlight to Earth. The company, led by Sequoia, raised $6.5 million in seed funding. Despite challenges such as distance, intensity, and communication, Reflect Orbital is ready to face the challenges of utilising solar energy.
Frequently Ask Questions (FAQs)
Is Reflect Orbital real?
Reflect Orbital is an honest company that deals in light and energy solutions. The California-based startup aims to sell sunlight using large reflectors in outer space.
Who is the CEO of Reflect Orbital?
Ben Novack is the CEO of Reflect Orbital—a company with the vision of selling sunlight after dark.
What company is selling sunlight at night?
Reflect Orbital is planning to sell sunlight at night using large mirrors that reflect light from the Sun to the precise location of Earth.
