Space

Reflect Orbital Buys Two Skyroot Aerospace Launches

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Based on a feed excerpt; full article content has not been acquired. Source evidence retrieved 14/10/2026, 12:21:26 UTC.

Briefings

Reflect Orbital, a startup developing in-space mirrors for Earth-based solar power, purchased two Skyroot Aerospace launches today. The deal involves one mission on the Vikram-1 vehicle (launched July) and another on the upgraded Vikram-1U, expected to fly in Q1 2027. Reflect Orbital stated it is the primary payload, though specific costs and mission dates were not disclosed. The acquisition occurs amid a broader launch capacity crisis where operators like Portal Space Systems are securing dedicated rockets, while SpaceX has paused its Transporter rideshare program after 2029. Reflect Orbital's larger goal remains a constellation of ~50,000 mirrors to provide sunlight on Earth after dark, though the company has not confirmed the mission timeline for the new Skyroot launches.

Key points

• Reflect Orbital purchased two Skyroot launches: one on the Vikram-1 vehicle launched in July and another on the upgraded Vikram-1U expected to fly in Q1 2027.
• Reflect Orbital stated it is the primary and only payload at this time, though specific costs and mission dates were not disclosed in the announcement.

Context and limitations

Specific costs per launch and exact mission dates for the Skyroot missions were not disclosed by Reflect Orbital. The broader launch capacity crisis and SpaceX's Transporter program status are described as ongoing trends rather than confirmed facts.

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