FCC Approves Reflect Orbital Prototype Despite Widespread Opposition
On July 9, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) granted Reflect Orbital, a California-based startup, the authorization to build, launch, and operate an experimental mirror satellite in low Earth orbit. The prototype, named Eärendil-1, is equipped with a 60-foot (18-meter) reflective surface designed to bend sunlight toward specific locations on Earth during nighttime hours.
The FCC’s decision marks a significant milestone for the company, which aims to test the technical feasibility of its film-based reflector technology at an altitude of approximately 625 kilometers. While the agency emphasized that this approval is limited to a single technology demonstration, the project has ignited intense debate regarding the future of the night sky and the potential impacts of orbital light manipulation.
A Vision for “On-Demand” Sunlight
Reflect Orbital’s long-term ambitions extend far beyond the Eärendil-1 prototype. The company envisions a constellation of 50,000 mirror satellites by 2035, with an intermediate milestone of 1,000 satellites launched by the end of 2028. CEO Ben Nowack has stated that the technology is intended to replace fossil fuels by allowing large-scale solar panel installations to generate electricity after dark.
According to the company, the satellites could also serve various civilian and commercial applications, including:
- Providing emergency illumination for search-and-rescue operations.
- Supporting critical infrastructure during power outages.
- Extending work hours for construction projects.
- Enhancing safety by providing street lighting without traditional carbon-emitting infrastructure.
Reflect Orbital asserts that its satellites are designed for precision, with the ability to turn light off instantly and avoid sensitive areas such as research observatories or protected habitats.
Astronomers and Biologists Raise Alarms
The proposal has faced significant resistance from the scientific community. During the FCC’s review process, the agency received nearly 2,000 public comments, many of which were highly critical. Betty Kioko, an institutional affairs officer for the European Southern Observatory, characterized the project as an “existential threat” to optical astronomy. Astronomers argue that even a small number of mirrors could interfere with deep-space observations, while a large-scale constellation would fundamentally alter the appearance of the night sky. Beyond the impact on astronomy, biologists have warned that artificial night-time illumination could disrupt the circadian rhythms of humans and wildlife. Concerns include the potential for confused migratory patterns and negative effects on phytoplankton, which serve as essential photosynthesizers in aquatic ecosystems.
Stakes for Future Regulation
The FCC’s authorization is currently restricted to the Eärendil-1 test mission, which the agency stated will help determine the viability of the technology and identify potential challenges. Any deployment of a larger, commercial constellation would require subsequent regulatory approvals.
Reflect Orbital remains optimistic, viewing the FCC license as a validation of its efforts to test innovative space technology. However, skepticism persists regarding the company’s ability to direct light with the required precision. Tony Tyson, chief scientist for the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, expressed doubt regarding these claims, suggesting that the industry’s growth could lead to a sky “filled with moons.”
As the company prepares for the Eärendil-1 launch later this year, the scientific community continues to monitor the situation, fearing that the project could set a precedent for an entirely new, and highly controversial, global industry.
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