The U.S. Federal Communications Commission authorized startup Reflect Orbital to test an 18-meter mirror satellite designed to reflect sunlight onto Earth at night. The July 9 authorization for the Eärendil-1 mission has drawn sharp criticism from astronomical organizations over potential light pollution and impacts on nocturnal ecosystems.
A Santa Monica, California-based startup has cleared a major regulatory hurdle in its quest to redirect sunlight from orbit. On July 9, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission authorized Reflect Orbital to build, launch, and operate a mirror satellite in low Earth orbit. The experimental spacecraft, designated Eärendil-1, is designed to reflect sunlight onto specific locations on Earth after sunset.
The initiative draws inspiration from decades-old concepts. As noted in historical reporting, German rocket pioneer Hermann Oberth proposed orbiting mirrors in the 1920s to illuminate cities and concentrate solar energy, while Soviet cosmonauts briefly deployed a 20-meter experimental reflector named Znamja 2 from the Mir space station in February 1993.
Federal Communications Commission Authorization of Eärendil-1
The FCC authorization permits the company to deploy its test satellite at an altitude of approximately 625 kilometers. Equipped with an 18-meter reflector, Eärendil-1 aims to verify whether it is possible to precisely reflect solar rays onto chosen points on the terrestrial surface. Rather than illuminating entire cities, the initial experiments target small zones measuring between several hundred meters and a few kilometers in diameter.
The startup expressed appreciation for the regulatory decision on social media, stating that the company was grateful to the FCC for granting its application to fly its test mission, and adding that this ruling was hugely validating for the company and reflected America’s leadership in testing innovative space technology.
Regulatory filings indicate that the agency focused strictly on technical aspects of satellite communication and radio frequencies. The commission noted in its decision that it did not evaluate environmental or astronomical consequences, as those fall outside its statutory authority.
Technology and Proposed Commercial Applications
The spacecraft utilizes an ultrathin, highly reflective, film-based reflector constructed from lightweight composite materials. Once in orbit, this mylar membrane deploys similarly to solar sails tested by space agencies such as NASA and JAXA. Reaction wheels, gyroscopes, and star sensors allow the satellite to track the Sun and target areas on Earth.
Proponents argue that providing on-demand sunlight could serve multiple practical functions. In earlier coverage, the company’s stated goal was to ensure a continuous supply of light for large solar panel installations, allowing them to generate electricity during nighttime hours. Additional proposed uses include illuminating search-and-rescue operations, supporting emergency infrastructure, and lighting remote construction sites without conventional generators.
Astronomical Objections and Environmental Concerns
The project faces substantial pushback from scientific organizations. During the regulatory review, the FCC received nearly 2,000 public comments questioning the proposal. Prominent critics include the American Astronomical Society, DarkSky International, and the Royal Astronomical Society, all of which warned about potential disruptions to astronomy and nocturnal wildlife.
Betty Kioko, institutional affairs officer for the European Southern Observatory, stated ahead of the FCC decision that for optical astronomy, this was an existential threat, and expressed hope that regulators would share that view.
Researchers also voiced concerns regarding sudden flashes of reflected light that could distract aircraft pilots, drivers, or animals reliant on natural light-dark cycles. Tony Tyson, a researcher at UC Davis and chief scientist for the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, expressed skepticism regarding the technology’s claimed precision, remarking by asking people to imagine the sky filled with moons.
Future Projections and Regulatory Limitations
While Eärendil-1 serves solely as a short-duration technology demonstration, company executives envision a much larger footprint. Reflect Orbital projects operating 50,000 satellites by 2035.
However, the FCC emphasized that its current authorization applies strictly to a single experimental spacecraft. Any future deployment of a commercial constellation would require separate, comprehensive regulatory approvals.
Keep reading
Discover more from Archyworldys
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.