Recently, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) authorised a company named Reflect Orbital to launch and operate a test satellite Eärendil-1 designed to deploy a large mirror in orbit around the earth.
About Eärendil-1:
It is the first satellite planned by US startup Reflect Orbital.
Purpose: Its purpose is to reflect sunlight towards specific spots on the earth at nighttime.
Working:
It is a single satellite in a non-geostationary orbit fit with a “deployable, highly specular thin-film reflector”.
The reflector will be motorised and can be steered to different orientations.
It is intended to use this technology to extend the usable hours for solar panels and provide light during “critical operations” like emergency or humanitarian missions.
Orbital Profile: The satellite will operate at a LEO altitude between 600 kilometers and 650 kilometers.
Significance: It makes clean, abundant energy available on demand and that its technology can help alleviate energy concerns, aid with disaster responses, fulfill industrial needs and boost agriculture.
Dear Student,
You have still not entered your mailing address. Please enter the address where all the study materials will be sent to you. (If applicable).
