US greenlights night-reflecting mirror satellite, stoking astronomy concerns

FCC approves Reflect Orbital’s Eärendil-1, an 18-meter mirror in low Earth orbit that can briefly illuminate ground areas at night. Proponents cite potential uses such as emergency lighting and extending solar-energy operations, while astronomers and environmentalists warn of increased light pollution and disrupted observations. The agency frames the mission as a single experimental test with future deployments requiring new approvals, though success could spark a broader, space-based lighting industry.