FCC Approves Reflect Orbital's 18-Meter Space Mirror Test as Scientists Warn of Global Light Pollution
Updated
Updated · OilPrice.com · Aug 1
FCC Approves Reflect Orbital's 18-Meter Space Mirror Test as Scientists Warn of Global Light Pollution
3 articles · Updated · OilPrice.com · Aug 1
Summary
Reflect Orbital won FCC approval to test its Eärendil-1 satellite, which will deploy an 18-meter reflector in low Earth orbit before year-end to beam sunlight onto 5-6 kilometer areas at night.
Up to $5,000 an hour is the business model if the trial works, with the startup saying adjustable beams could light streets without electricity or help solar farms generate after dark.
More than 1,800 comments and letters from four scientific societies representing about 2,500 researchers urged a full environmental review, warning the beams could disrupt astronomy, pilots, sleep cycles, wildlife and agriculture.
The FCC said space is not covered by the same environmental laws as Earth, while Reflect Orbital says the pilot will test safeguards and gather data on beam control.
A $20 million Series A in 2025 is backing broader ambitions: 1,000 mirror satellites by 2028 and 50,000 by 2035, with future reflectors reaching 55 meters wide.