FCC Approves Reflect Orbital’s Space Mirror Satellite, Sparking Astronomy Concerns
The U.S. FCC approved Reflect Orbital’s experimental satellite Eärendil-1, an 18-meter space mirror designed to reflect sunlight onto Earth for applications like solar farm energy boosts and search-and-rescue. The California startup plans to launch two satellites in 2026 and up to 50,000 by 2035. Astronomers warn the constellation could increase night-sky brightness by 200–300%, severely disrupting observations. Environmentalists also cite risks to biological day-night cycles. The FCC deferred scientific concerns to NASA and the EPA, citing public interest in space innovation.
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FCC approves startup’s space mirror to reflect sunlight to dark parts of Earth
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has granted approval to startup Reflect Orbital to launch its first space mirror into orbit. The mirror is designed to reflect sunlight to dark parts of Earth, effectively illuminating night-time areas. The project has sparked significant controversy, with critics raising concerns about light pollution, disruption to ecosystems, and astronomical observations. The company envisions deploying tens of thousands of such mirrors in the future, potentially turning night into day in targeted regions. The approval marks a major regulatory milestone for the controversial technology, which aims to provide solar power and lighting to areas with limited daylight.
Top stories - Google NewsFCC Approves Reflect Orbital's First Space Mirror Launch; Thousands More Planned
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has granted Reflect Orbital permission to launch its first space mirror into orbit, a test satellite designed to reflect sunlight to dark parts of Earth at night. The Southern California company aims to eventually deploy tens of thousands of such mirrors to provide daylight-like illumination for commercial or emergency purposes. The approval has sparked significant controversy, with astronomers warning of severe light pollution that could disrupt astronomical observations, and safety advocates raising concerns that reflected beams could temporarily blind drivers or pilots. Environmental groups also oppose the project. The FCC's decision allows a limited test, but the company's long-term plans face regulatory and public scrutiny.
Top stories - Google NewsFCC Approves Orbital Space Mirrors; First Test Satellites to Launch This Year
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved Reflect Orbital's experimental satellite Eärendil-1, which will use four 18-meter thin-film reflectors in low Earth orbit to reflect sunlight onto specific areas of Earth after dark. The startup aims to extend daylight for minutes at a time for applications such as construction lighting, search-and-rescue operations, and boosting solar farm output. The company plans to launch two satellites this year and up to 50,000 by 2035. Astronomers, including the Vera C. Rubin Observatory's chief scientist, warn the project could severely disrupt night sky observations, potentially increasing background sky brightness by three to four times at major observatories. Environmentalists also caution that artificial daylight could disrupt biological day-night cycles. The FCC stated such concerns fall outside its jurisdiction, recommending critics contact the EPA and NASA, and emphasized the public interest in fostering innovative space activities.
Latest from Tom's HardwareFCC Approves Orbital Space Mirrors; First Test Satellites to Launch This Year
The FCC has approved Reflect Orbital's experimental satellite Eärendil-1, which will test thin-film reflectors in low Earth orbit to reflect sunlight onto specific areas on Earth for applications like construction lighting, search-and-rescue, and solar farm energy boosts. The California startup plans to deploy over 50,000 satellites by 2035 to provide continuous daylight-like illumination. Astronomers warn the project could severely disrupt night sky observations, with the Vera C. Rubin Observatory's chief scientist calling it 'even crazier' than Starlink. Environmentalists argue it could disrupt biological day-night cycles. The FCC stated these concerns fall outside its jurisdiction, suggesting critics contact the EPA and NASA, and emphasized the public interest in fostering space innovation.
Latest from Tom's HardwareFCC Approves Orbital Space Mirrors; First Test Satellites to Launch This Year
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved a license for Reflect Orbital, a California startup, to launch its experimental satellite Eärendil-1. The low-Earth orbit satellite is equipped with four 18-meter thin-film reflectors designed to reflect sunlight onto specific areas of Earth, extending daylight for several minutes. Potential uses include lighting construction sites, aiding search-and-rescue operations, and boosting solar farm energy production. The company plans to launch two satellites this year and aims to deploy over 50,000 by 2035, providing up to 36,000 lux of light. Astronomers, including the Vera C. Rubin Observatory's chief scientist, have criticized the project, warning it could severely disrupt night sky observations and increase background sky brightness by three to four times at observatories. Environmentalists also raised concerns about disrupting biological day-night cycles. The FCC stated that scientific and environmental concerns are outside its jurisdiction, directing critics to the EPA and NASA, and emphasized the public interest in encouraging innovative space activities.
Latest from Tom's HardwareFCC approves first Reflect Orbital satellite
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved the first satellite for Reflect Orbital, a company planning to deploy a constellation of space mirrors to reflect sunlight onto Earth. The approved satellite is an 18-meter space mirror intended for a single demonstration mission, scheduled for 2026. This test is a precursor to a proposed system of up to 50,000 satellites designed to provide 'sunlight on demand' for solar farms after dark. The approval has sparked significant controversy, particularly from astronomers, who warn that such a large constellation could increase the natural night-sky background brightness by 200% to 300%, severely impacting astronomical observations. The decision has been covered by multiple major news outlets, highlighting the tension between commercial space innovation and the preservation of dark skies for scientific research.
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