FCC Approves Reflect Orbital's Space Mirror Satellite

5 hours ago

The FCC approved Reflect Orbital's plan to launch Earendel-1, a test satellite with a 60x60 foot steerable thin-film reflector, to reflect sunlight to Earth for applications like powering solar farms at night or aiding in disaster relief.
Despite over 1,800 public objections and concerns from environmental groups and astronomers about potential light pollution, eye damage, and impacts on scientific research, the FCC granted approval based on encouraging new technology under the Communications Act and limited the scope to a single demonstration satellite.
The FCC stated that concerns about the solar reflector fall outside its authority over radiofrequency spectrum, and any risks are outweighed by the public interest benefits of testing the technology, while noting it cannot conduct environmental reviews for satellite operations beyond its statutory mandate.
Critics, including Dark Sky UK, argue this reveals a regulatory gap in assessing satellite impacts on the environment and sky, with calls for the FCC to review large constellations, but Reflect Orbital plans to launch Earendel-1 this year and conduct independent research on its technology's effects.

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