Space mirrors could disrupt astronomy and pose eye risks

The concept of using large mirrors in orbit to reflect sunlight onto Earth for continuous solar power generation or illumination has been envisioned for over a century. Russia experimented with the idea in the 1990s through the Znamya project.

Now, California-based Reflect Orbital is seeking to revive this concept. The company plans to launch a test satellite, Eärendil-1, as a precursor to a potential fleet of up to 50,000 space mirrors.

This ambition has raised concerns among astronomers, who fear that large orbiting mirrors could interfere with astronomical observations by causing glare. Additionally, questions have been raised about potential risks to the Earth's surface and human health if the mirrors malfunction.