By 
April 7th, 2024
Image credit: Reflect Orbital
There’s a new space startup under the Sun. And what Reflect Orbital wants to do is cast some of that sunshine to customers.
The group’s ambitions have been in the dark for a bit, but the leader of the idea has been posting on X some tantalizing updates.
They are developing a constellation of specialized satellites to sell sunlight to thousands of solar farms after dark.
Image credit: Reflect Orbital
“We think sunlight is the new oil and space is ready to support energy infrastructure,” explains Ben Nowack, CEO of the company.
On-Earth airborne test
According to their website, Nowack led automated hardware projects for validating Crew Dragon propulsion components at SpaceX. He then worked as senior engineer at Park and Diamond, Director of Engineering at Tri-D Dynamics, and led launcher design at Zipline.
Image credit: Reflect Orbital
“By precisely reflecting sunlight that is endlessly available in space to specific targets on the ground, we can create a world where sunlight powers solar farms for longer than just daytime, and in doing this, commoditize sunlight,” Nowack adds.
Image credit: Reflect Orbital
On August 31st, 2023, Reflect Orbital completed its final on-Earth testing of the idea.
“This airborne test was the last piece needed before we launch above the atmosphere,” Nowack notes. “We are currently designing our first satellite.”
Their goal: “Sunlight after dark…Providing the Earth’s primary source of energy on demand.”
Go to the Reflect Orbital website at: https://www.reflectorbital.com/
Also, check out this informative video at: https://twitter.com/i/status/1767961251186163857
Reflect on this logo for the group.
Image credit: Reflect Orbital
Posted in Space News
