Imagine a world where sunlight can be customized and delivered as a service. This groundbreaking concept is now closer to reality thanks to an ambitious entrepreneur who is launching mirrored satellites into space to beam sunlight to solar panels on Earth, even at night.
Former SpaceX alum, Matthew Nowack, is the mastermind behind Reflect Orbital – a company that recently secured $8.7 million in funding from Sequoia Capital and other investors to pursue this revolutionary idea. By utilizing a constellation of mirrored satellites, Nowack plans to reflect solar radiation down to solar panels on Earth, providing a continuous source of sunlight that can be harnessed for energy production around the clock.
In a stunning display of the technology’s potential, Nowack successfully demonstrated the basic concept by launching a hot air balloon equipped with a large reflective Mylar panel to redirect sunlight to a network of solar panels in Nevada. Despite the challenge of clouds obstructing the beam, the satellites have the capability to adjust and locate clear patches in the sky to ensure a steady supply of solar energy.
According to Nowack, solar power is a fantastic source of energy, except for one major drawback – it’s only available during daylight hours. By beaming sunlight to solar panels at night, his satellites have the potential to revolutionize various industries and activities that rely on constant illumination.
In addition to powering households and businesses, the reflected sunlight could also be used for night skiing, search-and-rescue missions, and construction projects that require artificial lighting. With this innovative technology, the possibilities for utilizing solar energy in new and exciting ways are virtually limitless.
Reflect Orbital’s mission represents a bold step towards a more sustainable and efficient energy future. As we look towards harnessing the power of the sun in unprecedented ways, the sky – quite literally – is no longer the limit.
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Video “This Entrepreneur Is Putting Mirrored Satellites In Space To Beam Sunlight To Solar Panels At Night” was uploaded on 12/25/2024 to Dailymotion Channel Forbes