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Reflect Orbital receives FCC license for space-based mirror project

The United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) granted a radio license to the startup Reflect Orbital on July 9, 2026, for the satellite Eärendil-1. This authorization marks a significant step toward a technology designed to reflect sunlight onto Earth from low Earth orbit, potentially allowing for the generation of solar energy at night. The Eärendil-1 satellite is part of a planned two-year test mission. Once it reaches an altitude between 600 and 650 kilometers, the satellite will deploy a thin, square Mylar film measuring 18 by 18 meters, intended to illuminate a circular area on the ground approximately five kilometers wide.

Technical capabilities and commercial goals

According to project specifications, the first test prototype is expected to provide light with an intensity of approximately 0.1 lux, which is equivalent to the brightness of a full moon. However, the company’s long-term vision includes significantly more powerful units; a final mirror configuration is designed to reflect light with an intensity up to 100 times that of a full moon. Reflect Orbital intends to offer sunlight on demand to customers after sunset. Ben Nowack, the company’s CEO, has discussed a potential pricing model of approximately $5,000 per hour for the use of a single mirror. The company’s broader roadmap is ambitious: while the FCC license currently covers only a single demonstration satellite, Reflect Orbital aims to deploy a constellation of more than 50,000 satellites by 2035.

Proposed applications beyond energy

The startup envisions several practical uses for this orbital light, which could be redirected approximately every four minutes:

• Energy production: Extending the operational hours of solar power plants.
• Industrial and disaster support: Providing lighting for construction sites, industrial facilities, and areas affected by natural disasters.
• Emergency services: Assisting in rescue operations by illuminating hard-to-reach terrain.

Environmental concerns and regulatory hurdles

The project has faced significant public opposition, with the FCC receiving approximately 1,800 comments regarding the proposal, the majority of which were negative. Astronomers and dark-sky advocates warn that the project could cause severe light pollution, disrupt the circadian rhythms of humans, animals, and plants, and potentially create glare hazards for pilots and drivers. For the scientific community, the primary concern is the scattering of light in the atmosphere, which could brighten the night sky and interfere with the operation of professional observatories. Simulations suggest that a full constellation of 50,000 mirrors could cause areas currently designated as protected dark-sky sites to glow with an intensity comparable to modern suburbs. Despite these concerns, the FCC has distanced itself from the environmental debate. The agency stated that its mandate is limited to the management of radio spectrum and the safe disposal of satellites after their service life concludes. The FCC noted that it did not conduct an environmental assessment, suggesting that critics should instead direct their concerns to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or NASA. This regulatory stance has highlighted a perceived gap in the U.S. oversight system for emerging space initiatives.

Historical context

The concept of using space-based mirrors to illuminate the Earth is not entirely new.