California lighting test draws objections to startup’s space-mirror plans

A night-time demonstration near Lone Pine, California, used mobile lights near Mount Whitney to simulate sunlight reflected from orbit, according to the Guardian’s October 26, 2026 report. Reflect Orbital worked with a local search-and-rescue team and said emergency responders were expected to be its first customers. Some residents were startled by the brightness.

The report said the FCC had approved an initial demonstration satellite in July, with launch planned for 2027. Reflect Orbital’s broader ambition was to deploy 50,000 satellites over a decade. Four groups represented by Earthjustice sought reconsideration of the approval in August, citing potential environmental impacts. The company said it welcomed oversight and was consulting scientists and astronomers.

The dispute extends beyond the demonstration’s brightness: critics cited potential disruption to animals’ feeding and mating, human sleep and astronomical observations. Reflect Orbital argued that illumination could also increase solar-panel output at night. The reported California test simulated lighting on the ground; it did not establish those wider benefits or impacts.