Reflect Orbital Books Two Skyroot Launches to Deploy Sunlight-Reflecting Satellites Amid US Capacity Crunch

The commercial space industry is facing a bottleneck. Despite the rapid cadence of SpaceX's Falcon 9, dedicated launch slots for specialized orbital trajectories remain scarce. To bypass this backlog, California-based startup Reflect Orbital has secured two dedicated launches with Indian launch provider Skyroot Aerospace, utilizing its Vikram rockets.

Reflect Orbital is developing a constellation of satellites equipped with large, aluminized Mylar mirrors designed to redirect sunlight to specific locations on Earth after dark. The technology aims to extend the operating hours of terrestrial solar farms during peak evening energy demand, while also offering illumination for remote search-and-rescue operations. The company recently secured an experimental license from the US Federal Communications Commission for its first demonstration satellite, Eärendil-1.

The partnership highlights a growing trend where US space startups look abroad to secure timely access to orbit. CEO Ben Nowack noted that a "real launch capacity shortage" drove the decision to partner with Skyroot, which recently achieved orbit with its Vikram-1 vehicle. As Reflect Orbital prepares to test its potentially groundbreaking—and astronomically controversial—technology, the deal underscores how international launch providers are capitalizing on the overflow of US commercial space ambitions.