U.S. approval of giant 'space mirror' satellite alarms astronomers
5 hours ago
- #light pollution
- #space technology
- #satellite regulation
- A California startup, Reflect Orbital, received FCC approval to launch its test satellite Eärendil-1, which uses a steerable mirror to beam sunlight, aiming to provide 'sunlight on demand'.
- The company plans to launch up to 50,000 similar satellites by 2035, but astronomers fear they will cause severe light pollution, potentially making the night sky three to four times brighter globally.
- Critics argue the FCC's regulatory scope is limited, ignoring optical concerns like eye damage, disrupted circadian rhythms for wildlife, and hindering astronomical observations.
- There's no U.S. regulatory body besides the FCC to enforce the Outer Space Treaty's 'harmful contamination' clause before damage occurs, leading to calls for new oversight mechanisms.
- International efforts are emerging, including a G7 statement recommending a governing body for satellite impacts, while Reflect Orbital claims it will cooperate with regulators and share data.