Orbital Sunbeam: FCC greenlights Reflect Orbital's demo mirror satellite

The FCC has granted approval for Reflect Orbital’s Eärendil-1 demonstration satellite, which will deploy an 18-by-18 meter aluminized Mylar reflector to direct sunlight onto Earth from a near-polar orbit around 625 km up. The test aims to prove “sunlight on demand” for solar farms and other uses, with a broader constellation contemplated in the future, but the agency only approved radio operations for the demo and did not authorize a full constellation. Critics warn about potential interference with ground-based astronomy, wildlife, aviation, sky brightness, and the growing debris risk, while disposal within 25 years is required; SpaceX is slated to carry the first two demos, and further approvals will be needed for expansion.