Gallus Luchnos15h ago
Abraham Samma🔬🔭 🇦🇺🇹🇿

So apparently there's a new startup called Reflect Orbital, and it's founder, a SpaceX intern apparently, feels like there's a need for on-demand sunlight around the world, and he intends to satisfy that need with, I kid you not, a constellation of orbital mirrors. This is SO unnecessary and if anyone approves this at the FCC, it'll be an incredible indictment of humanity. #space #astronomy

Reflect Orbital https://www.reflectorbital.com/

Reflect Orbital

Sunlight after dark

12:21pmWeb
Show threadWm.son15h ago

@abesamma

Can't wait to see how they try to package this to sell the idea.

Show threadEpistatacadam15h ago
@abesamma I hope he is made to personally compensate everyone who suffers as a result of their upset circadian rythms.
Show threadKiloku - Secretário do Caos15h ago

@abesamma and it physically cannot work. The light it'd throw would be visible to human eyes but it'd not be strong enough to make a difference in solar panel energy output (their main stated purpose).

It'd also will be very detrimental to astronomy, obfuscating the dark sky from observation by telescopes.

If you want to know someone who's working hard against this and knows way more about its potential effects, follow @sundogplanets

Show threadWesDym13h ago
@abesamma The FCC would be only one of many regulatory stops. It's not like the FAA doesn't have a say, or is answerable to FCC; they're not. They can veto each other, when it's relevant. For example, FCC requires warning lamps on tall radio towers -- because FAA mandates it for ALL structures tall enough, no matter their purpose. FCC might not care, but it's not their choice.