US orbital mirror startup Reflect Orbital signs Skyroot Aerospace launch deal

Reflect Orbital, which specializes in building and operating large orbital mirrors for controlled ground illumination, has booked two launches with Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace, India's leading private rocket manufacturer. The deal represents a significant commercial win for Skyroot's Vikram vehicle, which is designed to serve the small and medium-lift satellite launch market.

The orbital mirror systems developed by Reflect Orbital are engineered to provide ground-level lighting without requiring terrestrial infrastructure. By positioning and controlling reflective surfaces in orbit, the technology can redirect sunlight to specific locations on Earth's surface, enabling applications ranging from emergency search-and-rescue operations to providing supplemental illumination for solar power generation facilities.

The partnership between the US startup and Skyroot Aerospace demonstrates India's growing appeal as a launch service provider for innovative space technologies. Skyroot has been rapidly scaling its launch capabilities and commercial customer base since its establishment, positioning itself as a competitive alternative to traditional space launch operators in the Asia-Pacific region.

Reflect Orbital's decision to utilize Skyroot's Vikram rockets aligns with the broader trend of commercial space operators seeking reliable, cost-effective launch solutions. The agreement is expected to support the deployment of Reflect Orbital's orbital infrastructure within the next several years, pending regulatory approvals and final mission planning.