Sunlight on order: space mirror before first test

A startup based in the United States has received approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to launch its first test satellite, marking a significant step forward in its ambitious plan to provide on-demand sunlight to Earth using space-based mirrors. The company, Reflect Orbital, aims to deploy thousands of satellites into orbit over the coming years, which would reflect sunlight onto specific locations on Earth during nighttime hours. This initiative, described as almost too good to be true by some observers, has sparked considerable debate among scientists, environmentalists, and policymakers alike. Reflect Orbital's vision involves launching more than 50,000 satellites by 2035. These satellites would act as giant mirrors, reflecting sunlight to areas where it is needed most—such as solar farms operating at night, construction sites requiring illumination, agricultural fields, emergency situations, and even urban centers looking to replace traditional street lighting. The company envisions applications ranging from providing light for events to aiding military operations. It calls itself “The Sunlight Company,” emphasizing its goal of harnessing solar energy in innovative ways. However, the project has faced strong opposition from various quarters. During the FCC’s review process, nearly 1,800 public comments were submitted, including a formal petition from the American Astronomical Society (AAS). Over 1,000 researchers had already expressed concerns about the potential impact of Reflect Orbital’s plans back in late 2025. Scientists argue that the reflective satellites could severely disrupt astronomical observations, making them difficult or impossible to conduct. There are also worries about the safety of pilots and drivers who might be dazzled by the reflected light. Additionally, the Royal Astronomical Society has labeled the proposal as “unacceptable.” Environmental groups have raised concerns about the possible effects on wildlife due to artificial light pollution, though Reflect Orbital claims that the light would be precisely targeted and could be turned off whenever necessary. The FCC has chosen not to take a stance on the broader implications of the proposed technology. In its authorization letter, the agency stated that it is responsible only for ensuring the proper use of radio frequencies and preventing space debris. Decisions regarding the environmental and observational impacts of the reflective satellites fall outside its jurisdiction. The agency did not consider an environmental assessment because there were no concrete data available. However, the approval applies only to this initial test case. If Reflect Orbital later requests permission to launch larger constellations, these would undergo separate evaluations. The approved satellite, named Earendil-1 after a figure from J.R.R. Tolkien’s works associated with a shining star, is scheduled to operate at an altitude of 625 kilometers above Earth. It will carry a controllable thin-film reflector measuring 18 meters by 18 meters, capable of illuminating an area approximately five kilometers in diameter on the ground. The license granted by the FCC allows for a two-year period, with the launch needing to occur by July 9, 2032. Originally, the company had planned to launch two such satellites in April, but the approval limits the number to just one for now. This project joins a growing list of controversial satellite initiatives currently under consideration. At the same time, the FCC is processing applications from SpaceX for satellite-based computing centers. For years, astronomers have been concerned about the increasing number of Starlink satellites launched by SpaceX, with other companies like Amazon joining the effort. Earlier this year, the Royal Astronomical Society, the European Southern Observatory, and the International Astronomical Union warned the FCC that a million satellites and sun mirrors could significantly impair the night sky in unprecedented ways. The success or failure of this upcoming test will determine whether Reflect Orbital can proceed with its full-scale deployment. As the first step toward realizing its grand vision, the launch of Earendil-1 represents both a technological milestone and a point of contention in the ongoing discussion about the future of space utilization and its impact on scientific research and the environment.