FCC Greenlights First Satellite to Reflect Sunlight Into Nighttime Regions
The Federal Communications Commission on July 9 formally authorized the launch of Eärendil-1, a demonstration satellite built by Reflect Orbital that will deploy an 18-meter thin-film reflector in low Earth orbit to direct sunlight toward nighttime areas on the ground. The decision marks the first FCC approval for a mission of this kind, but the project has drawn sharp criticism from astronomers and environmentalists since its application was filed nearly a year ago.
The 142-kilogram spacecraft is scheduled to launch later this year into a 600 to 650-kilometer orbit, where it will test the ability to steer reflected sunlight to specific locations for several minutes at a time. CEO Ben Nowack said the company is "grateful to the FCC for recognizing the importance of testing novel technologies in space."
Reflect Orbital sees applications ranging from construction site lighting and search-and-rescue operations to boosting output from terrestrial solar farms after dark. But the company's longer-term ambition — a constellation of up to 50,000 reflectors — has triggered widespread concern.
Tony Tyson, chief scientist of the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, described the plans as "even crazier" than broadband satellite megaconstellations at a June 4 National Academies meeting, warning that the thin-film reflectors could scatter light over a wide area rather than directing it precisely. "Imagine the sky full of moons," he said.
The European Southern Observatory warned on July 1 that a full 50,000-satellite constellation would increase background sky brightness at its Chilean facilities by a factor of three to four, severely limiting the ability to detect faint astronomical objects. Environmental groups have also petitioned the FCC, warning that orbital illumination could disrupt animal behavior and plant cycles.
In its order, the FCC largely concluded that impacts on astronomy and the environment fall outside its regulatory jurisdiction. The commission noted that Reflect Orbital has committed to working with NASA and the National Science Foundation to protect optical astronomy. The company's application had generated nearly 1,900 public comments, most of them critical.