An American space technology start-up, Reflect Orbital, has signed a contract with India’s Skyroot Aerospace for two launches to provide sunlight at night using mirrors placed in orbit. The California-based company plans to use the technology for applications such as search and rescue operations in disaster-hit areas and extending power generation at solar farms.
The launches will use Skyroot’s Vikram rockets. The first will be aboard the Vikram-1 rocket, while the second will use the company’s Vikram-1U launch vehicle, which is under development. Reflect Orbital aims to provide adjustable sunlight over an area spanning five kilometres. In July, it received approval from the US Federal Communications Commission to construct, launch and operate a demonstration satellite.
However, the plan has raised concerns among environmental organisations. Reflect Orbital has said it will continue consultations with astronomers, local communities and regulators as it works towards expanding the project..
