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Earendil 1

All articles tagged with #earendil 1

science1 month ago•45 min saved

Astronomers Alarmed by FCC-Approved Orbital Sun-Reflecting Mirror

The FCC has approved Reflect Orbital to launch Earendil-1, a 60-foot mirror in low Earth orbit that could reflect sunlight to Earth for powering solar installations, with plans for up to 50,000 mirrors by 2035. The prototype would illuminate a nine-square-mile area for about five minutes. Scientists warn the project could disrupt optical astronomy by brightening and cluttering the night sky, alter circadian rhythms in humans and wildlife, and impact phytoplankton, drawing intense criticism and hundreds of public comments, even as supporters say it could help replace fossil fuels.

via Yahoo|

#astronomy #earendil-1 #light-pollution

space1 month ago•7 min saved

FCC Approves Sun-Beaming Satellite, Sparking Astronomers’ Sky-Glow Fears

The FCC cleared Reflect Orbital’s Eärendil-1, a small satellite with an 18-by-18-meter mirror designed to reflect sunlight to Earth at night to power solar panels, but scientists and astronomers warn that even a prototype could brighten the night sky and interfere with observations; opponents urge regulatory safeguards, while Reflect Orbital envisions a future fleet of up to 50,000 satellites.

via CNET|

#astronomy #earendil-1 #light-pollution

technology1 month ago•6 min saved

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.

via WIRED|

#astronomy #earendil-1 #light-pollution

technology1 month ago•105 min saved

FCC approves Reflect Orbital's first space-mirror demo, signaling a path to thousands more

The FCC has granted Reflect Orbital authorization to launch Earendil-1, a roughly 60-foot-square space mirror demo in low Earth orbit, with the company envisioning a future constellation of up to 50,000 mirrors by 2035 to direct sunlight for purposes such as lighting, emergency response, and boosting solar power; Earendil-1 is slated to launch later in 2026. The plan has drawn concerns about light pollution and potential effects on astronomy, but Reflect Orbital says it can confine light to a controllable spot, switch it off quickly, and avoid observatories and sensitive habitats.

via Space|

#earendil-1 #fcc-license #light-pollution

science1 month ago•13 min saved

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.

via The Conversation|

#earendil-1 #low-earth-orbit #reflect-orbital