- FCC approves testing of satellites designed to reflect sunlight back to Earth
- Startup plans thousands of orbital mirrors capable of extending daylight periods
- Scientists warn that artificial sunlight could interfere with astronomical observations around the world.
A California startup has received approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to test satellites designed to reflect sunlight back to Earth.
Reflect Orbital plans to launch its Eärendil-1 spacecraft with large orbital mirrors capable of extending daylight into selected areas.
The concept promises new applications for energy and emergency services, although scientists have raised concerns about its wider consequences.
Reflect Orbital to begin testing ambitious sunlight reflection technology
The Eärendil-1 satellite will operate in low Earth orbit with four thin-film reflectors measuring about 18 meters or approximately 60 feet wide.
The reflected sunlight will be directed towards specific locations for short periods, supporting activities such as construction work, search and rescue operations and solar energy generation.
Reflect Orbital says its mirrors could eventually deliver up to 36,000 lux, roughly comparable to genuine daylight conditions found outdoors.
The system could also provide around 100 lux continuously, similar to the lighting typically found within standard indoor workspaces 24 hours a day.
“We are grateful to the FCC for recognizing the importance of testing novel technologies in space,” Ben Nowack, CEO of Reflect Orbital, said in a statement.
“This license is the first step in rigorously testing the effectiveness of our technology and the safeguards we have developed.”
The idea has drawn comparisons to the fictional Icarus satellite from the James Bond film Die Another Day, where an orbital reflector was designed to bring sunlight into dark regions.
While the actual technology differs significantly from the film’s concept, critics argue that similar questions about unintended effects remain relevant as implementation plans expand.
Astronomers and environmental groups warn about possible impacts
Astronomers have expressed concern that sunlight reflected by thousands of satellites could interfere with observations of faint objects in the night sky.
Tony Tyson, chief scientist at the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, described the proposal as “even crazier” than previous satellite constellation challenges that affected astronomical research.
The European Southern Observatory warned that a full deployment could increase the sky brightness at its facilities by three to four times, reducing the ability of telescopes to detect faint, distant astronomical sources.
The researchers also argue that artificial nighttime lighting could affect biological systems that depend on natural day-night cycles.
These concerns involve plants, animals, and humans that depend on predictable environmental patterns for their normal behavior.
The FCC stated that scientific and environmental issues fall outside its direct regulatory authority, which focuses primarily on communications services involving radio, television, satellite, and related systems.
The agency approved the tests because it believes enabling new space technologies supports innovation and economic development.
Instead, critics can seek reviews from agencies such as NASA and the Environmental Protection Agency, which handle broader issues involving space activity and environmental effects.
Whether orbital mirrors become a useful technology or create unexpected challenges will depend on future independent scientific testing, monitoring and evaluation.
Through Tom Hardware
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