- US FCC approved Reflect Orbital's experimental mirror satellite, Eärendil-1, on July 9.
- Eärendil-1 will reflect sunlight to specific Earth locations for potential uses like solar energy extension, emergency lighting, and remote construction.
- The project faces criticism from astronomers and environmental groups over light pollution, impacts on ecosystems, and aviation safety.
- Reflect Orbital envisions a future constellation of 50,000 satellites by 2035, raising concerns about sky transformation and astronomical interference.
- FCC authorization is limited to a single test satellite for technical evaluation, with future deployments requiring additional approvals.