Reflect Orbital announced $73.5 million in new funding on November 10 to support its first satellite launches, with a sunlight-reflecting demonstration now planned for the second quarter of 2027. An added precursor mission will first test the spacecraft without a mirror.
The Hawthorne, California, startup aims to sell sunlight redirected from orbit, allowing solar farms to generate electricity after sunset and providing nighttime lighting for search-and-rescue teams and construction crews.
In an update describing an October 30 FCC application, Reflect said its first satellite, Eärendil-0, would fly no earlier than April 2027, subject to approval. It will test spacecraft control, pointing and ground communications before the mirror-equipped Eärendil-1 mission.
Sequoia Capital, Lux Capital and Starship Ventures returned for the financing, with Salesforce Ventures among the new investors.
The new financing exceeds the $20 million Series A that Lux led in May 2025. That announcement had targeted the first satellite launch as early as spring 2026.
In August, DarkSky International and three allied groups challenged the FCC’s approval of Eärendil-1, citing concerns about astronomy, wildlife and aviation safety. They asked the commission to reverse the grant and require an environmental assessment or impact statement before the satellite operates.