Technology

Space debris target.

for solar, a 5km diameter solar farm might hold 10m square meters of panels. at 250w each, 2.5gw solar farm. 4 times a full moon, is 1/100000th the rated capacity (noon at equator) of panels, and so 25kw of power. At 10c/kwh electricity revenue potential, such a farm (exists only in China) could break even offering to rent night light at $2.50/hour.

Batteries charged by solar can deliver profitable electricity at night for far less than 10c/kwh.

If you just want more light somewhere, it would be far cheaper to do from ground systems.

I won’t lie, the idea of sunlight on demand sounds interesting… but then capitalism ruins it before the environmentalists even had a chance. (not trying to downplay environmental science here, just being cheeky)

Maggie Simpson will sort them out.

So, they want to play God, eh!!?? :-(

Yeah, but think of the potential shareholder value!

...allowing paying customers to generate solar power, grow crops and replace urban lighting.

What a great idea! There aren't any other ways to generate or store solar power, grow crops beyond daytime hours, or create good urban lighting...

Buy who cares? Money!

This entire thing is again stupid front to back, and for loads of money, of course

A little Critical Thinking will tell you that this is either technically impossible, unbelievably expensive, or both. Probably both.

However, I encourage Sociopathic Oligarchs to dump as much of their money into it as possible.

Why put mirrors in space when you can SELL SHARES in building mirrors in space to redirect sunlight.

Worth trillions, don't you think? Not the end product - just the design and endless alpha model.

Shit... you think the F-35 was a complete boondoggle(*1), you ain't seen shit. Space is BIG. Price tags $,,$,,$,,$,,$

(*1) and it remains so to this very day

Let's be honest: This is military technology camouflaging itself as civilian tech. It totally doesn't make any sense for the proposed uses, but it totally is worthwhile for military purposes. Jihadist sneaking up onto your base in Bagdadh in the night? Light up the sky! Russian drone attack when it's dark? Light up the sky! That border to north korea? Eternal sunshine! Your B2 and B52 bombers are on the way? Confuse your enemy by switching the sun on and off! Protect your convois by always have them drive in the night!

007 did it.

I'm trying to remember the name of the film.