FCC approves test of space mirror to light night sky
The Federal Communications Commission has approved Reflect Orbital's plan to test a space mirror satellite, Eärendil-1, despite widespread opposition from astronomers and wildlife advocates. The Hawthorne, California startup will launch a 60-foot thin-film reflector into low Earth orbit later in 2026 to beam sunlight onto nighttime areas for several minutes at a time.
Key Takeaways
- On July 9, 2026, the FCC authorized a single demonstration satellite—not a full constellation—to test sunlight-on-demand technology.
- Eärendil-1 will deploy an 18-meter steerable mirror between 600 and 650 km altitude to illuminate targeted ground areas for minutes before repointing.
- Reflect Orbital says the space mirror could extend solar-farm hours, aid rescue crews, and light city streets after dark.
- Astronomers, pilots, and wildlife experts warn reflected light could disrupt observations, circadian rhythms, and aviation safety.
- The FCC ruled optical and environmental impacts fall outside its spectrum authority, though NASA and NSF coordination is required.
What did the FCC approve for Reflect Orbital?
On July 9, the FCC granted Reflect Orbital authority to launch and operate Eärendil-1, a 142-kilogram spacecraft carrying a deployable thin-film reflector measuring 18 meters on a side—about 60 feet across. The satellite is scheduled to reach an orbit between 600 and 650 kilometers later this year.
The license covers only this one demonstration craft. Reflect Orbital plans to test whether it can steer reflected sunlight to specific locations on Earth for several minutes at a time, with the illuminated patch spanning roughly five kilometres wide.
The company has described the mission as a limited technology test, but it has also said it eventually wants to deploy as many as 50,000 orbiting mirrors. Regulators authorized only this single demonstration satellite, not a broader fleet.
Why are astronomers and critics fighting the space mirror test?
The approval arrived amid a flood of public opposition, as The New York Times reported. Astronomers, wildlife experts, pilots, and members of the public raised alarms about light pollution, aviation hazards, and ecological disruption.
In a letter to the FCC, the American Astronomical Society argued the project "cannot be considered to serve the public interest" and warned it could damage federally funded observatories while posing risks to people and wildlife. Critics also cited circadian rhythm disruption for humans, animals, and plants.
The Conversation noted that flashes during mirror repointing—needed roughly every four minutes—could distract pilots and drivers, while sensitive telescope detectors risk being overloaded.
What could a giant space mirror actually do on Earth?
Reflect Orbital pitches its technology as "sunlight on demand." The company says reflected beams could extend usable hours for terrestrial solar farms, provide emergency lighting for search-and-rescue operations, and illuminate streets after sunset.
Each pass would offer only brief coverage because low-Earth-orbit satellites move quickly. Still, the startup sees interest in uses ranging from construction and remote operations to disaster response and agricultural work.
Reflect Orbital has said this test is only a start, with ambitions for more than 50,000 satellites in action by 2035 across emergency response, industrial, and other sectors.
Who regulates a space mirror if not the FCC?
In its order, the FCC concluded that concerns about optical astronomy and environmental harm from reflected sunlight fall outside its statutory authority, which centers on radiofrequency spectrum use. The agency found those issues were "not a basis for denial" of the license.
Reflect Orbital must coordinate with NASA and the National Science Foundation to protect optical astronomy. The Conversation argued the FCC was created to regulate radio broadcasts but is now being asked to weigh orbital safety and other non-radio effects it may lack expertise to judge.
As low Earth orbit grows crowded with unconventional proposals, the debate over who should judge non-radio impacts is intensifying. For more offbeat science headlines, see our Bizarre News & Florida Man coverage.