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FCC approves giant space mirror as astronomers warn of risks to the night sky (www.thebrighterside.news)
submitted 3 months ago by to c/technology@lemmy.world
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[–] 23 points 3 months ago* (10 children)

The illumination would last only a few minutes at one location before the mirror required repointing. Reflect Orbital says the technology could extend solar power production after sunset, illuminate construction areas and assist rescue teams working in darkness.

Flare guns already do this for a lot cheaper. They even come in a choice of colours.

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  • [–] 19 points 3 months ago (7 children)

    The company has also argued that reflected sunlight could provide temporary lighting without diesel generators or permanent ground infrastructure.

    Sure it just requires that you build a giant precision mirror array, launch it into orbit, and then constantly monitor and position it from the ground, but god damn if you won't need a bulky, polluting flashlight ever again.

    What an absolute fucking joke of a proposal. Yeah, let's blanket the earth in mirrors so that we can light up some random construction site temporarily.

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  • [–] 4 points 3 months ago (4 children)

    heaven forbid you need to illuminate two completely different areas of earth simultaneously. is this is the least cost efficient solar powered device ever?

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  • [–] 6 points 3 months ago (3 children)

    Oh, no, don't worry about that, this is just a test to see if it works... They plan to put 50,000 of these things in orbit.

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  • [–] 3 points 3 months ago (2 children)

    Aren't they worried that the bazillion of SpaceX satellites will cast shadows on their light beams?

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  • [–] 1 point 3 months ago (1 child)

    Well, it's true that if you need to illuminate a site for two and a half minutes but can't build anything on the ground, it's a great solution. Is it the best solution? Maybe not. Is it a solution? You bet it is.

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  • [–] 6 points 3 months ago (1 child)

    Illuminate construction sites? With a flare gun? They have lamps, you know. And yeah, also cheaper

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  • [–] 1 point 3 months ago*

    If god wanted me to use lamps, god would've invented a 'lamp gun'. Since He didn't, we're just gonna have to make do with the tools god did give us, now pass me the lite beer and cover your ears - it's illuminating time.

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