In 1993, Russia reflected sunlight from space. Now, a California startup wants to turn the night sky into a marketplace for on-demand sunlight from orbit

A California startup is developing satellites that could redirect sunlight to Earth after sunset, creating what it calls “sunlight on demand.” Reflect Orbital plans to test the concept with an orbital mirror, but scientists warn that large-scale deployment could increase artificial light, disrupt astronomy and affect wildlife. With satellite numbers already soaring, the proposal is also raising questions about whether existing space regulations can adequately manage commercial control of nighttime illumination.