Discussion:
OT: Surely there's an SF story with this.....
(too old to reply)
Cryptoengineer
2024-08-29 18:07:01 UTC
Permalink
Reflect Orbital

https://www.reflectorbital.com/lighting

is proposing to launch a fleet of orbital mirrors to provide lighting
to nighttime locations on the Earth.

They claim they will be able to light up a 5km diameter circle for
4 minutes. They're accepting reservations, but I can't find any
pricing. They expect to start in Q4 2025.

I'm *extremely* skeptical. To be even as bright as moonlight,
the mirror would have to appear 1/7 the area of the Moon in
the sky.

I can't think of a use case for 4 minutes of light, but they
also talk about using it to power up solar panel systems at
night, which makes no sense.

I think its either an art project, or some kind of scam to
fleece investors who are bad at math.

Still, very stfnal.

pt
Ted Nolan <tednolan>
2024-08-29 18:14:41 UTC
Permalink
Post by Cryptoengineer
Reflect Orbital
https://www.reflectorbital.com/lighting
is proposing to launch a fleet of orbital mirrors to provide lighting
to nighttime locations on the Earth.
They claim they will be able to light up a 5km diameter circle for
4 minutes. They're accepting reservations, but I can't find any
pricing. They expect to start in Q4 2025.
I'm *extremely* skeptical. To be even as bright as moonlight,
the mirror would have to appear 1/7 the area of the Moon in
the sky.
I can't think of a use case for 4 minutes of light, but they
also talk about using it to power up solar panel systems at
night, which makes no sense.
I think its either an art project, or some kind of scam to
fleece investors who are bad at math.
Still, very stfnal.
pt
I am reminded of Clarke's "A Slight Case of Sunstroke"...
--
columbiaclosings.com
What's not in Columbia anymore..
Lynn McGuire
2024-08-29 18:29:43 UTC
Permalink
Post by Cryptoengineer
Reflect Orbital
https://www.reflectorbital.com/lighting
is proposing to launch a fleet of orbital mirrors to provide lighting
to nighttime locations on the Earth.
They claim they will be able to light up a 5km diameter circle for
4 minutes. They're accepting reservations, but I can't find any
pricing. They expect to start in Q4 2025.
I'm *extremely* skeptical. To be even as bright as moonlight,
the mirror would have to appear 1/7 the area of the Moon in
the sky.
I can't think of a use case for 4 minutes of light, but they
also talk about using it to power up solar panel systems at
night, which makes no sense.
I think its either an art project, or some kind of scam to
fleece investors who are bad at math.
Still, very stfnal.
pt
"Live Free or Die" by John Ringo is close to the concept. The
protagonist uses millions of mirrors by Sol to melt metal heavy
asteroids and protect Earth from invaders coming through the new Star Gate.
https://www.amazon.com/Live-Free-Die-Rising-Paperback/dp/B00ZATORM8/

Lynn
Scott Lurndal
2024-08-29 20:14:52 UTC
Permalink
Post by Cryptoengineer
Reflect Orbital
https://www.reflectorbital.com/lighting
is proposing to launch a fleet of orbital mirrors to provide lighting
to nighttime locations on the Earth.
They claim they will be able to light up a 5km diameter circle for
4 minutes. They're accepting reservations, but I can't find any
pricing. They expect to start in Q4 2025.
I'm *extremely* skeptical. To be even as bright as moonlight,
the mirror would have to appear 1/7 the area of the Moon in
the sky.
I can't think of a use case for 4 minutes of light, but they
also talk about using it to power up solar panel systems at
night, which makes no sense.
I think its either an art project, or some kind of scam to
fleece investors who are bad at math.
https://www.visitnorway.com/listings/the-giant-sun-mirrors-in-rjukan/3632/
Cryptoengineer
2024-08-30 18:14:17 UTC
Permalink
Post by Scott Lurndal
Post by Cryptoengineer
Reflect Orbital
https://www.reflectorbital.com/lighting
is proposing to launch a fleet of orbital mirrors to provide lighting
to nighttime locations on the Earth.
They claim they will be able to light up a 5km diameter circle for
4 minutes. They're accepting reservations, but I can't find any
pricing. They expect to start in Q4 2025.
I'm *extremely* skeptical. To be even as bright as moonlight,
the mirror would have to appear 1/7 the area of the Moon in
the sky.
I can't think of a use case for 4 minutes of light, but they
also talk about using it to power up solar panel systems at
night, which makes no sense.
I think its either an art project, or some kind of scam to
fleece investors who are bad at math.
https://www.visitnorway.com/listings/the-giant-sun-mirrors-in-rjukan/3632/
To my surprise, apparently the Soviets tried an orbital mirror,
with some success.

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/how-russian-space-mirror-briefly-lit-night-180957894/

I don't get it - the math says this shouldn't work.

pt
Michael F. Stemper
2024-08-30 20:14:02 UTC
Permalink
Post by Cryptoengineer
Post by Scott Lurndal
Post by Cryptoengineer
Reflect Orbital
https://www.reflectorbital.com/lighting
is proposing to launch a fleet of orbital mirrors to provide lighting
to nighttime locations on the Earth.
They claim they will be able to light up a 5km diameter circle for
4 minutes. They're accepting reservations, but I can't find any
pricing. They expect to start in Q4 2025.
I'm *extremely* skeptical. To be even as bright as moonlight,
the mirror would have to appear 1/7 the area of the Moon in
the sky.
I can't think of a use case for 4 minutes of light, but they
also talk about using it to power up solar panel systems at
night, which makes no sense.
I think its either an art project, or some kind of scam to
fleece investors who are bad at math.
https://www.visitnorway.com/listings/the-giant-sun-mirrors-in-rjukan/3632/
To my surprise, apparently the Soviets tried an orbital mirror,
with some success.
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/how-russian-space-mirror-briefly-lit-night-180957894/
Didn't an orbital mirror figure in Bujold's _Komarr_?
--
Michael F. Stemper
Why doesn't anybody care about apathy?
Tony Nance
2024-08-30 20:20:27 UTC
Permalink
Post by Michael F. Stemper
Post by Cryptoengineer
Post by Scott Lurndal
Post by Cryptoengineer
Reflect Orbital
https://www.reflectorbital.com/lighting
is proposing to launch a fleet of orbital mirrors to provide lighting
to nighttime locations on the Earth.
They claim they will be able to light up a 5km diameter circle for
4 minutes. They're accepting reservations, but I can't find any
pricing. They expect to start in Q4 2025.
I'm *extremely* skeptical. To be even as bright as moonlight,
the mirror would have to appear 1/7 the area of the Moon in
the sky.
I can't think of a use case for 4 minutes of light, but they
also talk about using it to power up solar panel systems at
night, which makes no sense.
I think its either an art project, or some kind of scam to
fleece investors who are bad at math.
https://www.visitnorway.com/listings/the-giant-sun-mirrors-in-rjukan/3632/
To my surprise, apparently the Soviets tried an orbital mirror,
with some success.
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/how-russian-space-mirror-briefly-lit-night-180957894/
Didn't an orbital mirror figure in Bujold's _Komarr_?
Yes - planned to be a major power source, helping terraform the planet.
- Tony
Scott Lurndal
2024-08-30 21:29:31 UTC
Permalink
Post by Tony Nance
Post by Michael F. Stemper
Post by Cryptoengineer
Post by Scott Lurndal
Post by Cryptoengineer
Reflect Orbital
https://www.reflectorbital.com/lighting
is proposing to launch a fleet of orbital mirrors to provide lighting
to nighttime locations on the Earth.
They claim they will be able to light up a 5km diameter circle for
4 minutes. They're accepting reservations, but I can't find any
pricing. They expect to start in Q4 2025.
I'm *extremely* skeptical. To be even as bright as moonlight,
the mirror would have to appear 1/7 the area of the Moon in
the sky.
I can't think of a use case for 4 minutes of light, but they
also talk about using it to power up solar panel systems at
night, which makes no sense.
I think its either an art project, or some kind of scam to
fleece investors who are bad at math.
https://www.visitnorway.com/listings/the-giant-sun-mirrors-in-rjukan/3632/
To my surprise, apparently the Soviets tried an orbital mirror,
with some success.
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/how-russian-space-mirror-briefly-lit-night-180957894/
Didn't an orbital mirror figure in Bujold's _Komarr_?
Yes - planned to be a major power source, helping terraform the planet.
And an (unintentionally in that case) terrorism target....
Mad Hamish
2024-08-30 07:39:10 UTC
Permalink
On Thu, 29 Aug 2024 13:29:43 -0500, Lynn McGuire
Post by Lynn McGuire
Post by Cryptoengineer
Reflect Orbital
https://www.reflectorbital.com/lighting
is proposing to launch a fleet of orbital mirrors to provide lighting
to nighttime locations on the Earth.
They claim they will be able to light up a 5km diameter circle for
4 minutes. They're accepting reservations, but I can't find any
pricing. They expect to start in Q4 2025.
I'm *extremely* skeptical. To be even as bright as moonlight,
the mirror would have to appear 1/7 the area of the Moon in
the sky.
I can't think of a use case for 4 minutes of light, but they
also talk about using it to power up solar panel systems at
night, which makes no sense.
I think its either an art project, or some kind of scam to
fleece investors who are bad at math.
Still, very stfnal.
pt
"Live Free or Die" by John Ringo is close to the concept. The
protagonist uses millions of mirrors by Sol to melt metal heavy
asteroids and protect Earth from invaders coming through the new Star Gate.
I'm hoping that they'll be well short of that level
Lynn McGuire
2024-08-30 18:31:29 UTC
Permalink
Post by Mad Hamish
On Thu, 29 Aug 2024 13:29:43 -0500, Lynn McGuire
Post by Lynn McGuire
Post by Cryptoengineer
Reflect Orbital
https://www.reflectorbital.com/lighting
is proposing to launch a fleet of orbital mirrors to provide lighting
to nighttime locations on the Earth.
They claim they will be able to light up a 5km diameter circle for
4 minutes. They're accepting reservations, but I can't find any
pricing. They expect to start in Q4 2025.
I'm *extremely* skeptical. To be even as bright as moonlight,
the mirror would have to appear 1/7 the area of the Moon in
the sky.
I can't think of a use case for 4 minutes of light, but they
also talk about using it to power up solar panel systems at
night, which makes no sense.
I think its either an art project, or some kind of scam to
fleece investors who are bad at math.
Still, very stfnal.
pt
"Live Free or Die" by John Ringo is close to the concept. The
protagonist uses millions of mirrors by Sol to melt metal heavy
asteroids and protect Earth from invaders coming through the new Star Gate.
I'm hoping that they'll be well short of that level
What level ?

Lynn
Dimensional Traveler
2024-09-04 14:57:50 UTC
Permalink
On Fri, 30 Aug 2024 13:31:29 -0500, Lynn McGuire
Post by Lynn McGuire
Post by Mad Hamish
On Thu, 29 Aug 2024 13:29:43 -0500, Lynn McGuire
Post by Cryptoengineer
Reflect Orbital
https://www.reflectorbital.com/lighting
is proposing to launch a fleet of orbital mirrors to provide lighting
to nighttime locations on the Earth.
They claim they will be able to light up a 5km diameter circle for
4 minutes. They're accepting reservations, but I can't find any
pricing. They expect to start in Q4 2025.
I'm *extremely* skeptical. To be even as bright as moonlight,
the mirror would have to appear 1/7 the area of the Moon in
the sky.
I can't think of a use case for 4 minutes of light, but they
also talk about using it to power up solar panel systems at
night, which makes no sense.
I think its either an art project, or some kind of scam to
fleece investors who are bad at math.
Still, very stfnal.
pt
"Live Free or Die" by John Ringo is close to the concept.  The
protagonist uses millions of mirrors by Sol to melt metal heavy
asteroids and protect Earth from invaders coming through the new Star Gate.
I'm hoping that they'll be well short of that level
What level ?
The level that melts heavy metal asteroids (and also blows up
spaceships iirc)
And is a weapon of mass destruction if pointed at the Earth.
pt
Better have failsafes.
But then you wouldn't have a story for the book!
But there would be no one left on Earth to read the story !
And how many books are out there where Earth doesn't exist anymore or at
least plays no part in the story?
--
I've done good in this world. Now I'm tired and just want to be a cranky
dirty old man.
Lynn McGuire
2024-09-04 21:42:50 UTC
Permalink
On 9/4/2024 9:57 AM, Dimensional Traveler wrote:
...
Post by Dimensional Traveler
Post by Lynn McGuire
Post by Mad Hamish
"Live Free or Die" by John Ringo is close to the concept.  The
protagonist uses millions of mirrors by Sol to melt metal heavy
asteroids and protect Earth from invaders coming through the new Star Gate.
I'm hoping that they'll be well short of that level
What level ?
The level that melts heavy metal asteroids (and also blows up
spaceships iirc)
And is a weapon of mass destruction if pointed at the Earth.
pt
Better have failsafes.
But then you wouldn't have a story for the book!
But there would be no one left on Earth to read the story !
And how many books are out there where Earth doesn't exist anymore or at
least plays no part in the story?
Several.
1. "Echos Of Earth" - Earth got eaten by gobblers
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0441008925/
2. "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy"

https://www.amazon.com/Hitchhikers-Guide-Galaxy-Douglas-Adams/dp/0345418913/
3. "Last Day on Mars (Chronicle of the Dark Star, 1) " - Earth got eaten
by an expanding Sol
https://www.amazon.com/Last-Mars-Chronicle-Dark-Star/dp/0062306723/

Lynn
Lynn McGuire
2024-09-03 18:44:47 UTC
Permalink
On Fri, 30 Aug 2024 13:31:29 -0500, Lynn McGuire
Post by Lynn McGuire
Post by Mad Hamish
On Thu, 29 Aug 2024 13:29:43 -0500, Lynn McGuire
Post by Cryptoengineer
Reflect Orbital
https://www.reflectorbital.com/lighting
is proposing to launch a fleet of orbital mirrors to provide lighting
to nighttime locations on the Earth.
They claim they will be able to light up a 5km diameter circle for
4 minutes. They're accepting reservations, but I can't find any
pricing. They expect to start in Q4 2025.
I'm *extremely* skeptical. To be even as bright as moonlight,
the mirror would have to appear 1/7 the area of the Moon in
the sky.
I can't think of a use case for 4 minutes of light, but they
also talk about using it to power up solar panel systems at
night, which makes no sense.
I think its either an art project, or some kind of scam to
fleece investors who are bad at math.
Still, very stfnal.
pt
"Live Free or Die" by John Ringo is close to the concept.  The
protagonist uses millions of mirrors by Sol to melt metal heavy
asteroids and protect Earth from invaders coming through the new Star Gate.
I'm hoping that they'll be well short of that level
What level ?
The level that melts heavy metal asteroids (and also blows up
spaceships iirc)
And is a weapon of mass destruction if pointed at the Earth.
pt
Better have failsafes.

Lynn
Dimensional Traveler
2024-09-04 01:30:09 UTC
Permalink
On Fri, 30 Aug 2024 13:31:29 -0500, Lynn McGuire
Post by Lynn McGuire
Post by Mad Hamish
On Thu, 29 Aug 2024 13:29:43 -0500, Lynn McGuire
Post by Cryptoengineer
Reflect Orbital
https://www.reflectorbital.com/lighting
is proposing to launch a fleet of orbital mirrors to provide lighting
to nighttime locations on the Earth.
They claim they will be able to light up a 5km diameter circle for
4 minutes. They're accepting reservations, but I can't find any
pricing. They expect to start in Q4 2025.
I'm *extremely* skeptical. To be even as bright as moonlight,
the mirror would have to appear 1/7 the area of the Moon in
the sky.
I can't think of a use case for 4 minutes of light, but they
also talk about using it to power up solar panel systems at
night, which makes no sense.
I think its either an art project, or some kind of scam to
fleece investors who are bad at math.
Still, very stfnal.
pt
"Live Free or Die" by John Ringo is close to the concept.  The
protagonist uses millions of mirrors by Sol to melt metal heavy
asteroids and protect Earth from invaders coming through the new Star Gate.
I'm hoping that they'll be well short of that level
What level ?
The level that melts heavy metal asteroids (and also blows up
spaceships iirc)
And is a weapon of mass destruction if pointed at the Earth.
pt
Better have failsafes.
But then you wouldn't have a story for the book!
--
I've done good in this world. Now I'm tired and just want to be a cranky
dirty old man.
Lynn McGuire
2024-09-04 05:58:32 UTC
Permalink
On Fri, 30 Aug 2024 13:31:29 -0500, Lynn McGuire
Post by Lynn McGuire
Post by Mad Hamish
On Thu, 29 Aug 2024 13:29:43 -0500, Lynn McGuire
Post by Cryptoengineer
Reflect Orbital
https://www.reflectorbital.com/lighting
is proposing to launch a fleet of orbital mirrors to provide lighting
to nighttime locations on the Earth.
They claim they will be able to light up a 5km diameter circle for
4 minutes. They're accepting reservations, but I can't find any
pricing. They expect to start in Q4 2025.
I'm *extremely* skeptical. To be even as bright as moonlight,
the mirror would have to appear 1/7 the area of the Moon in
the sky.
I can't think of a use case for 4 minutes of light, but they
also talk about using it to power up solar panel systems at
night, which makes no sense.
I think its either an art project, or some kind of scam to
fleece investors who are bad at math.
Still, very stfnal.
pt
"Live Free or Die" by John Ringo is close to the concept.  The
protagonist uses millions of mirrors by Sol to melt metal heavy
asteroids and protect Earth from invaders coming through the new Star Gate.
I'm hoping that they'll be well short of that level
What level ?
The level that melts heavy metal asteroids (and also blows up
spaceships iirc)
And is a weapon of mass destruction if pointed at the Earth.
pt
Better have failsafes.
But then you wouldn't have a story for the book!
But there would be no one left on Earth to read the story !

Lynn

Cryptoengineer
2024-09-03 18:08:33 UTC
Permalink
On Fri, 30 Aug 2024 13:31:29 -0500, Lynn McGuire
Post by Lynn McGuire
Post by Mad Hamish
On Thu, 29 Aug 2024 13:29:43 -0500, Lynn McGuire
Post by Lynn McGuire
Post by Cryptoengineer
Reflect Orbital
https://www.reflectorbital.com/lighting
is proposing to launch a fleet of orbital mirrors to provide lighting
to nighttime locations on the Earth.
They claim they will be able to light up a 5km diameter circle for
4 minutes. They're accepting reservations, but I can't find any
pricing. They expect to start in Q4 2025.
I'm *extremely* skeptical. To be even as bright as moonlight,
the mirror would have to appear 1/7 the area of the Moon in
the sky.
I can't think of a use case for 4 minutes of light, but they
also talk about using it to power up solar panel systems at
night, which makes no sense.
I think its either an art project, or some kind of scam to
fleece investors who are bad at math.
Still, very stfnal.
pt
"Live Free or Die" by John Ringo is close to the concept. The
protagonist uses millions of mirrors by Sol to melt metal heavy
asteroids and protect Earth from invaders coming through the new Star Gate.
I'm hoping that they'll be well short of that level
What level ?
The level that melts heavy metal asteroids (and also blows up
spaceships iirc)
And is a weapon of mass destruction if pointed at the Earth.

pt
Mad Hamish
2024-09-03 15:04:31 UTC
Permalink
On Fri, 30 Aug 2024 13:31:29 -0500, Lynn McGuire
Post by Lynn McGuire
Post by Mad Hamish
On Thu, 29 Aug 2024 13:29:43 -0500, Lynn McGuire
Post by Lynn McGuire
Post by Cryptoengineer
Reflect Orbital
https://www.reflectorbital.com/lighting
is proposing to launch a fleet of orbital mirrors to provide lighting
to nighttime locations on the Earth.
They claim they will be able to light up a 5km diameter circle for
4 minutes. They're accepting reservations, but I can't find any
pricing. They expect to start in Q4 2025.
I'm *extremely* skeptical. To be even as bright as moonlight,
the mirror would have to appear 1/7 the area of the Moon in
the sky.
I can't think of a use case for 4 minutes of light, but they
also talk about using it to power up solar panel systems at
night, which makes no sense.
I think its either an art project, or some kind of scam to
fleece investors who are bad at math.
Still, very stfnal.
pt
"Live Free or Die" by John Ringo is close to the concept. The
protagonist uses millions of mirrors by Sol to melt metal heavy
asteroids and protect Earth from invaders coming through the new Star Gate.
I'm hoping that they'll be well short of that level
What level ?
The level that melts heavy metal asteroids (and also blows up
spaceships iirc)
Titus G
2024-08-30 06:05:24 UTC
Permalink
Post by Cryptoengineer
Reflect Orbital
https://www.reflectorbital.com/lighting
is proposing to launch a fleet of orbital mirrors to provide lighting
to nighttime locations on the Earth.
They claim they will be able to light up a 5km diameter circle for
4 minutes. They're accepting reservations, but I can't find any
pricing. They expect to start in Q4 2025.
I'm *extremely* skeptical. To be even as bright as moonlight,
the mirror would have to appear 1/7 the area of the Moon in
the sky.
I can't think of a use case for 4 minutes of light, but they
also talk about using it to power up solar panel systems at
night, which makes no sense.
I think its either an art project, or some kind of scam to
fleece investors who are bad at math.
Still, very stfnal.
pt
I found the website fascinating including the interesting backgrounds of
the principals. (Keep us informed if you learn more, please.)
The SF story I am reminded of is of a far smaller scale about the
unfortunate soccer referee choosing principle to the game over loyalty
to the crowd but I can't remember the title nor author.
Ted Nolan <tednolan>
2024-08-30 12:24:01 UTC
Permalink
Post by Titus G
Post by Cryptoengineer
Reflect Orbital
https://www.reflectorbital.com/lighting
is proposing to launch a fleet of orbital mirrors to provide lighting
to nighttime locations on the Earth.
They claim they will be able to light up a 5km diameter circle for
4 minutes. They're accepting reservations, but I can't find any
pricing. They expect to start in Q4 2025.
I'm *extremely* skeptical. To be even as bright as moonlight,
the mirror would have to appear 1/7 the area of the Moon in
the sky.
I can't think of a use case for 4 minutes of light, but they
also talk about using it to power up solar panel systems at
night, which makes no sense.
I think its either an art project, or some kind of scam to
fleece investors who are bad at math.
Still, very stfnal.
pt
I found the website fascinating including the interesting backgrounds of
the principals. (Keep us informed if you learn more, please.)
The SF story I am reminded of is of a far smaller scale about the
unfortunate soccer referee choosing principle to the game over loyalty
to the crowd but I can't remember the title nor author.
Clarke, "A Slight Case Of Sunstroke" (aka "The Stroke Of The Sun").
--
columbiaclosings.com
What's not in Columbia anymore..
Michael F. Stemper
2024-08-30 12:38:06 UTC
Permalink
Post by Titus G
Post by Cryptoengineer
Reflect Orbital
https://www.reflectorbital.com/lighting
is proposing to launch a fleet of orbital mirrors to provide lighting
to nighttime locations on the Earth.
I can't think of a use case for 4 minutes of light, but they
also talk about using it to power up solar panel systems at
night, which makes no sense.
I think its either an art project, or some kind of scam to
fleece investors who are bad at math.
Still, very stfnal.
I found the website fascinating including the interesting backgrounds of
the principals. (Keep us informed if you learn more, please.)
The SF story I am reminded of is of a far smaller scale about the
unfortunate soccer referee choosing principle to the game over loyalty
to the crowd but I can't remember the title nor author.
Already mentioned in another comment:

<https://www.isfdb.org/cgi-bin/title.cgi?62811>
--
Michael F. Stemper
Why doesn't anybody care about apathy?
Scott Lurndal
2024-08-30 14:35:34 UTC
Permalink
Post by Titus G
Post by Cryptoengineer
Reflect Orbital
https://www.reflectorbital.com/lighting
is proposing to launch a fleet of orbital mirrors to provide lighting
to nighttime locations on the Earth.
They claim they will be able to light up a 5km diameter circle for
4 minutes. They're accepting reservations, but I can't find any
pricing. They expect to start in Q4 2025.
I'm *extremely* skeptical. To be even as bright as moonlight,
the mirror would have to appear 1/7 the area of the Moon in
the sky.
I can't think of a use case for 4 minutes of light, but they
also talk about using it to power up solar panel systems at
night, which makes no sense.
I think its either an art project, or some kind of scam to
fleece investors who are bad at math.
Still, very stfnal.
pt
I found the website fascinating
It crashed my browser.
Charles Packer
2024-08-30 07:45:58 UTC
Permalink
Post by Cryptoengineer
Reflect Orbital
https://www.reflectorbital.com/lighting
is proposing to launch a fleet of orbital mirrors to provide lighting to
nighttime locations on the Earth.
They claim they will be able to light up a 5km diameter circle for 4
minutes. They're accepting reservations, but I can't find any pricing.
They expect to start in Q4 2025.
I'm *extremely* skeptical. To be even as bright as moonlight,
the mirror would have to appear 1/7 the area of the Moon in the sky.
I can't think of a use case for 4 minutes of light, but they also talk
about using it to power up solar panel systems at night, which makes no
sense.
I think its either an art project, or some kind of scam to fleece
investors who are bad at math.
Still, very stfnal.
In any case, in the default imagery I recognized Marina Del Ray,
to I spent a few minutes moving the spotlight up the coast to
Santa Monica and zooming in on the apartment building where I
lived 1969-70.
Mad Hamish
2024-08-30 07:47:11 UTC
Permalink
On Thu, 29 Aug 2024 14:07:01 -0400, Cryptoengineer
Post by Cryptoengineer
Reflect Orbital
https://www.reflectorbital.com/lighting
is proposing to launch a fleet of orbital mirrors to provide lighting
to nighttime locations on the Earth.
They claim they will be able to light up a 5km diameter circle for
4 minutes. They're accepting reservations, but I can't find any
pricing. They expect to start in Q4 2025.
I'm *extremely* skeptical. To be even as bright as moonlight,
the mirror would have to appear 1/7 the area of the Moon in
the sky.
I can't think of a use case for 4 minutes of light, but they
also talk about using it to power up solar panel systems at
night, which makes no sense.
I think its either an art project, or some kind of scam to
fleece investors who are bad at math.
Still, very stfnal.
https://www.space.com/orbiting-mirror-boost-solar-power-production has
some additional details

I'm not convinced (and I suspect that investing the money into energy
storage would do more) but it doesn't seem complete batshit
Robert Carnegie
2024-08-31 20:30:16 UTC
Permalink
Post by Cryptoengineer
Reflect Orbital
https://www.reflectorbital.com/lighting
is proposing to launch a fleet of orbital mirrors to provide lighting
to nighttime locations on the Earth.
They claim they will be able to light up a 5km diameter circle for
4 minutes. They're accepting reservations, but I can't find any
pricing. They expect to start in Q4 2025.
I'm *extremely* skeptical. To be even as bright as moonlight,
the mirror would have to appear 1/7 the area of the Moon in
the sky.
Area?

Start here: the Moon is quite dark (Pink Floyd,
"It's All Dark, Really"). I take albedo 0.12
to mean that it would be 8 times brighter
if painted white. Also it sheds light in all
directions. And, without checking your article,
I assume the mirror will be /nearer/.
My bathroom mirror has an apparent size much
larger than the Moon.
Post by Cryptoengineer
I can't think of a use case for 4 minutes of light, but they
also talk about using it to power up solar panel systems at
night, which makes no sense.
Pop concert, one song. Or the _Romeo and Juliet_
balcony scene. Or boil an egg.
Post by Cryptoengineer
I think its either an art project, or some kind of scam to
fleece investors who are bad at math.
Still, very stfnal.
pt
Robert Carnegie
2024-08-31 21:27:17 UTC
Permalink
To add to my previous comment, I think "The Brick Moon" (1869)
considered the question of making an artifical moon bright.

The "magnitude" of the actual Moon is given as -12.7.

The magnitude of the ISS is "up to" -6. I don't
know if that's with guests staying.

I think Eandall Munroe wrote a thought experiment
od illuminating the Moon with an awful lot of
laser pointers. It wouldn't be Randall if it
ended well.
Cryptoengineer
2024-09-01 18:16:07 UTC
Permalink
Post by Robert Carnegie
To add to my previous comment, I think "The Brick Moon" (1869)
considered the question of making an artifical moon bright.
The "magnitude" of the actual Moon is given as -12.7.
The magnitude of the ISS is "up to" -6.  I don't
know if that's with guests staying.
I think Eandall Munroe wrote a thought experiment
od illuminating the Moon with an awful lot of
laser pointers.  It wouldn't be Randall if it
ended well.
I remember that! OTOH, a strong laser pointer on the
Earth's surface can be seen from orbit, all going well.

But... back to the present.

The Moon as an albedo of about 0.12, which would
suggest that its about 1/(0.12) or 1/8 as bright as the
sun. But that doesn't take into account the scattering
of sunlight in all directions. Albedo 1.0 is white, not
a mirror.

The Soviets did try a 20 meter mirror, which very
briefly provided light on a rapidly moving 5km spot
on the ground, equivalent to 'several full moons'.

https://www.vice.com/en/article/the-man-who-turned-night-into-day/

So, yes, maybe you could provide a light with some usefulness
for a few minutes, if the mirror was steered to point to one
spot. Reflect Orbitals claim is that they can provide
light for 4 minutes at a time.

The ISS can be in sight for as long as 6.5 minutes on a pass, so
RO's mirrors must be lower. That's good for being bright, but also
means they're subject to a lot of drag from remnant traces of
atmosphere, and will need to either have propulsion to keep on
station, or be replaced frequently.

The suggestion to use RO's mirrors to power solar plants is a
total non-starter. The mirror can't deliver more light than
falls on it, and if its spread over several kilometers on the
ground, its just not bright enough to do anything useful, quite
aside from the idea that powering one for less than 5 minutes
has a use case.

Finally, you'd piss off every astronomer and stargazer on Earth.

pt
Paul S Person
2024-09-02 16:01:39 UTC
Permalink
On Sun, 1 Sep 2024 14:16:07 -0400, Cryptoengineer
<***@gmail.com> wrote:

<snip-a-bit>
Post by Cryptoengineer
The Soviets did try a 20 meter mirror, which very
briefly provided light on a rapidly moving 5km spot
on the ground, equivalent to 'several full moons'.
https://www.vice.com/en/article/the-man-who-turned-night-into-day/
So, yes, maybe you could provide a light with some usefulness
for a few minutes, if the mirror was steered to point to one
spot. Reflect Orbitals claim is that they can provide
light for 4 minutes at a time.
The ISS can be in sight for as long as 6.5 minutes on a pass, so
RO's mirrors must be lower. That's good for being bright, but also
means they're subject to a lot of drag from remnant traces of
atmosphere, and will need to either have propulsion to keep on
station, or be replaced frequently.
If they were far enough out, they would be over the same spot for a
lot longer than that. Have to be a /really/ big mirror, though.
Post by Cryptoengineer
The suggestion to use RO's mirrors to power solar plants is a
total non-starter. The mirror can't deliver more light than
falls on it, and if its spread over several kilometers on the
ground, its just not bright enough to do anything useful, quite
aside from the idea that powering one for less than 5 minutes
has a use case.
Finally, you'd piss off every astronomer and stargazer on Earth.
IIRC, Musk's satellite clouds have already done that.
--
"Here lies the Tuscan poet Aretino,
Who evil spoke of everyone but God,
Giving as his excuse, 'I never knew him.'"
Paul S Person
2024-09-04 16:27:47 UTC
Permalink
On Tue, 3 Sep 2024 13:49:53 -0500, Lynn McGuire
Post by Paul S Person
On Sun, 1 Sep 2024 14:16:07 -0400, Cryptoengineer
<snip-a-bit>
Post by Cryptoengineer
The Soviets did try a 20 meter mirror, which very
briefly provided light on a rapidly moving 5km spot
on the ground, equivalent to 'several full moons'.
https://www.vice.com/en/article/the-man-who-turned-night-into-day/
So, yes, maybe you could provide a light with some usefulness
for a few minutes, if the mirror was steered to point to one
spot. Reflect Orbitals claim is that they can provide
light for 4 minutes at a time.
The ISS can be in sight for as long as 6.5 minutes on a pass, so
RO's mirrors must be lower. That's good for being bright, but also
means they're subject to a lot of drag from remnant traces of
atmosphere, and will need to either have propulsion to keep on
station, or be replaced frequently.
If they were far enough out, they would be over the same spot for a
lot longer than that. Have to be a /really/ big mirror, though.
Post by Cryptoengineer
The suggestion to use RO's mirrors to power solar plants is a
total non-starter. The mirror can't deliver more light than
falls on it, and if its spread over several kilometers on the
ground, its just not bright enough to do anything useful, quite
aside from the idea that powering one for less than 5 minutes
has a use case.
Finally, you'd piss off every astronomer and stargazer on Earth.
IIRC, Musk's satellite clouds have already done that.
Yes, and Starlink has gone to considerable effort to
mitigate the problem, with significant (but not total)
success.
The constellation the Chinese are starting to put up
looks like very bad news, though.
pt
Especially when the Chinese space ship broke apart in orbit into 300+
pieces at 800 km LEO.
https://www.space.com/china-megaconstellation-launch-space-junk
and
https://www.reddit.com/r/space/comments/1eo0nbi/chinese_rocket_breaks_apart_after/
People are very unhappy as this is not the first time the Chinese have
done this.
A classic case of externalized costs.

So, the Chicoms /are/ turning Capitalist after all.
--
"Here lies the Tuscan poet Aretino,
Who evil spoke of everyone but God,
Giving as his excuse, 'I never knew him.'"
Lynn McGuire
2024-09-03 18:49:53 UTC
Permalink
Post by Paul S Person
On Sun, 1 Sep 2024 14:16:07 -0400, Cryptoengineer
<snip-a-bit>
Post by Cryptoengineer
The Soviets did try a 20 meter mirror, which very
briefly provided light on a rapidly moving 5km spot
on the ground, equivalent to 'several full moons'.
https://www.vice.com/en/article/the-man-who-turned-night-into-day/
So, yes, maybe you could provide a light with some usefulness
for a few minutes, if the mirror was steered to point to one
spot. Reflect Orbitals claim is that they can provide
light for 4 minutes at a time.
The ISS can be in sight for as long as 6.5 minutes on a pass, so
RO's mirrors must be lower. That's good for being bright, but also
means they're subject to a lot of drag from remnant traces of
atmosphere, and will need to either have propulsion to keep on
station, or be replaced frequently.
If they were far enough out, they would be over the same spot for a
lot longer than that. Have to be a /really/ big mirror, though.
Post by Cryptoengineer
The suggestion to use RO's mirrors to power solar plants is a
total non-starter. The mirror can't deliver more light than
falls on it, and if its spread over several kilometers on the
ground, its just not bright enough to do anything useful, quite
aside from the idea that powering one for less than 5 minutes
has a use case.
Finally, you'd piss off every astronomer and stargazer on Earth.
IIRC, Musk's satellite clouds have already done that.
Yes, and Starlink has gone to considerable effort to
mitigate the problem, with significant (but not total)
success.
The constellation the Chinese are starting to put up
looks like very bad news, though.
pt
Especially when the Chinese space ship broke apart in orbit into 300+
pieces at 800 km LEO.
https://www.space.com/china-megaconstellation-launch-space-junk
and

https://www.reddit.com/r/space/comments/1eo0nbi/chinese_rocket_breaks_apart_after/

People are very unhappy as this is not the first time the Chinese have
done this.

Lynn
Cryptoengineer
2024-09-03 18:13:28 UTC
Permalink
Post by Paul S Person
On Sun, 1 Sep 2024 14:16:07 -0400, Cryptoengineer
<snip-a-bit>
Post by Cryptoengineer
The Soviets did try a 20 meter mirror, which very
briefly provided light on a rapidly moving 5km spot
on the ground, equivalent to 'several full moons'.
https://www.vice.com/en/article/the-man-who-turned-night-into-day/
So, yes, maybe you could provide a light with some usefulness
for a few minutes, if the mirror was steered to point to one
spot. Reflect Orbitals claim is that they can provide
light for 4 minutes at a time.
The ISS can be in sight for as long as 6.5 minutes on a pass, so
RO's mirrors must be lower. That's good for being bright, but also
means they're subject to a lot of drag from remnant traces of
atmosphere, and will need to either have propulsion to keep on
station, or be replaced frequently.
If they were far enough out, they would be over the same spot for a
lot longer than that. Have to be a /really/ big mirror, though.
Post by Cryptoengineer
The suggestion to use RO's mirrors to power solar plants is a
total non-starter. The mirror can't deliver more light than
falls on it, and if its spread over several kilometers on the
ground, its just not bright enough to do anything useful, quite
aside from the idea that powering one for less than 5 minutes
has a use case.
Finally, you'd piss off every astronomer and stargazer on Earth.
IIRC, Musk's satellite clouds have already done that.
Yes, and Starlink has gone to considerable effort to
mitigate the problem, with significant (but not total)
success.

The constellation the Chinese are starting to put up
looks like very bad news, though.

pt
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