US approves giant space-mirror test to beam sunlight on demand, sparking concerns about crowded low-Earth orbit
The FCC has approved Reflect Orbital to test Earendil-1, a satellite designed to reflect sunlight back to Earth for solar energy and broad lighting, with plans for a 50,000-satellite fleet by 2035. The initiative raises safety and ethical concerns including health and circadian disruptions, interference with telescopes and pilots, and significant environmental costs from launches and debris, all amid a crowded near-Earth space with SpaceX’s Starlink megaconstellations. The piece frames this as an innovation challenge requiring careful assessment of risks vs. benefits and potentially stronger governance to manage orbital resources and avoid harm to astronomy, aviation, and the atmosphere.
- The U.S. just approved a giant space mirror to test ‘sunlight on demand.’ Low Earth orbit is getting weird The Conversation
- F.C.C. Approves Test of Space Mirror to Light Night Sky Despite Outcry The New York Times
- FCC approves first Reflect Orbital satellite SpaceNews
- FCC Approves Reflect Orbital's Space Mirror Satellite That Astronomers Hate PCMag
- In 2026, the FCC authorized radio operations for Reflect Orbital’s first 18-metre space mirror, a single demonstration for a proposed 50,000-satellite system that one astronomy model says could raise the natural night-sky background by 200% to 300% Space Daily
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