FCC approves first Reflect Orbital satellite

The US Federal Communications Commission has authorised Reflect Orbital to launch Eärendil-1, a 142-kilogram satellite equipped with an 18-metre thin-film reflector designed to direct sunlight to specific areas on Earth. The July 9 approval allows the company to test its technology by reflecting sunlight for several minutes at a time from an orbit of 600 to 650 kilometres altitude, with a launch target of late 2026.

Reflect Orbital envisions commercial applications including lighting for construction sites, search and rescue operations, and illuminating terrestrial solar farms to boost energy production after dark. The company has proposed a future constellation of up to 50,000 such spacecraft, a prospect that has drawn sharp criticism from astronomers and environmental groups.

Astronomers warn that a full constellation could increase background sky brightness at observatories by a factor of three to four, severely limiting the detection of faint astronomical objects. The European Southern Observatory formally voiced concerns. The FCC received nearly 1,900 public comments on the application, the overwhelming majority critical. However, the commission ruled that concerns about impacts on optical astronomy fall outside its jurisdiction for this license type and that allowing the test serves the public interest by promoting American innovation in space.

Environmental groups have separately petitioned the FCC to conduct a programmatic environmental assessment for satellite constellations. For the Earth observation community, the decision raises important questions about the governance of novel space technologies that could interfere with both ground-based astronomy and satellite-based Earth monitoring. The company has committed to collaborate with NASA and the National Science Foundation on optical astronomy protection measures.