Don Walker

Don Walker

Don Walker, afternoons from 3-7pm on 96.3 ROV, featuring the Commercial Free Drive at 5!Full Bio

 

Company Wants To Sell Sunlight At Night Using Mirrors In Orbit

DW: Instead, can we just focus a high power laser at AEP?

If one company has its way, every place will be the “land of the midnight sun.” Reflect Orbital plans to launch 57 small satellites equipped with 33-foot mylar mirrors into orbit, which will act as mirrors and theoretically redirect sunlight to solar farms during dawn and dusk, extending the time these farms can generate power. The company has raised $8.7-million from investors, including Sequoia Capital.

Founder Ben Nowack believes this could help provide solar energy when it's typically unavailable. However, some experts are skeptical about the feasibility and economics of this idea. They point out that much of Earth's surface is uninhabited, meaning the satellites might often be over areas without customers. Reflect Orbital aims to launch its first prototype in 2025, because they obviously think it’s a bright idea.

Source: Boing Boing


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