FCC Approves Space Mirror Satellite That Astronomers Dread

Despite a tidal wave of public objections, the Federal Communications Commission has given the green light to a startup’s plan for a satellite that will beam sunlight back to Earth using a massive orbital mirror. The decision, announced Thursday, authorizes California-based Reflect Orbital to launch and operate its experimental spacecraft in low-Earth orbit using the requested radio spectrum. The reflected beam is designed to illuminate a ground area roughly three miles wide, with potential applications ranging from powering solar farms after sunset to aiding rescue operations in disaster zones.

The approved mission involves a single satellite named Earendil-1, which will carry a steerable thin-film reflector measuring approximately 60 feet by 60 feet. This is intended as a proof-of-concept for a much larger ambition: Reflect Orbital ultimately envisions a constellation of over 50,000 satellites by 2035, effectively encircling the planet with mirrors. That grand vision has drawn fierce opposition from environmental advocates and astronomers, who warn of severe light pollution. The FCC received more than 1,800 public comments on the application, the vast majority objecting to the plan.

The American Astronomical Society flagged several specific hazards, including the “potential for eye damage to amateur astronomers looking through reasonably sized telescopes; temporary ‘flash blinding’ of drivers and pilots; and negative impacts on the scientific research being carried out by federally funded astronomical facilities.” Despite these concerns, the FCC approved the satellite, emphasizing that the authorization covers only a single demonstration unit designed to test an innovative technology that could boost American leadership in space.

In its order, the FCC cited the Communications Act, which encourages “the provision of new technologies and services to the public,” and argued that Reflect Orbital’s demonstration satellite represents “a potentially groundbreaking technology” worth supporting in the public interest. On the most contentious points, the commission stated that concerns about the solar reflector are “unrelated to the Commission’s role in authorizing use of radiofrequency spectrum.” It added that even if it had the authority to review such operations, “these harms are unlikely to occur.” The FCC further concluded that any potential risks are “outweighed by the public interest benefits of authorizing communications to support testing of the technology in a limited, short-duration manner.”

The regulator also noted that U. S. courts have blocked the FCC from using a “generalized public interest requirement beyond its statutory authority in regulating communications.” Consequently, the operations of a space-based solar reflector will not be evaluated as part of the Bureau’s public interest analysis. An environmental review was also deemed beyond the FCC’s jurisdiction. Even if it had such authority, the commission stressed that the grant is for a single satellite, not the hypothetical fleet of 50,000. “The majority of these comments focus on a hypothetical plan to deploy tens of thousands of satellites,” the order states, “and those who argue the single satellite will harm the human environment do not demonstrate with specificity the potential harm will be caused by the single satellite.”

Critics see this as a regulatory gap. James Verner, a director at Dark Sky UK, an anti-light-pollution group, posed an urgent question: “If the regulator licensing these satellites has no mandate to examine what they actually do to the sky or the Earth below, then who does?” The issue highlights a growing call for the FCC to conduct environmental reviews of large satellite constellations.

Meanwhile, Reflect Orbital plans to launch Earendil-1 later this year. The company described the mission as a data-gathering exercise: “The mission will provide real-world data that shapes the design of future satellites, the markets Reflect Orbital serves, how the company engages communities and the operational practices it puts in place. The company expects this to be the first of several test missions.” The startup also cited “extraordinary global demand” for its services, including recent requests to assist search-and-rescue efforts following a tragic earthquake in Venezuela.

To address criticism, Reflect Orbital says it is commissioning independent, third-party research on the technology’s impacts through both independent researchers and federal partners. This includes working toward a coordination agreement with the National Science Foundation. A key priority, the company notes, is to avoid reflecting light near observatories or other protected areas.