FCC Approves Reflect Orbital's Space Mirror Satellite That Astronomers Hate
6 hours ago
- #Satellite Regulation
- #Light Pollution
- #FCC Approval
- The FCC approved Reflect Orbital's launch of a single demonstration satellite, Earendil-1, using a 60ft by 60ft steerable thin-film reflector to test reflecting sunlight to Earth.
- The approval faced over 1,800 public objections, citing risks like eye damage to astronomers, flash blinding of drivers and pilots, and negative impacts on scientific research.
- The FCC justified approval by stating it encourages new technologies, concerns are unrelated to its radiofrequency authority, and environmental review is beyond its statutory mandate.
- Critics argue this highlights a regulatory gap, as the FCC lacks authority to assess environmental impacts, raising questions about who oversees satellite effects on skies and Earth.
- Reflect Orbital plans to launch Earendil-1 this year for data collection, with long-term goals of operating over 50,000 satellites by 2035, despite ongoing opposition.