The FCC has authorized Reflect Orbital to launch Eärendil-1, a mirror satellite designed to reflect sunlight and illuminate Earth at night. The approval has drawn sharp criticism from astronomers who warn of serious consequences for optical observation.
Reflect Orbital received regulatory clearance to deploy the reflective satellite, which would use mirrors to redirect solar radiation toward Earth's surface during nighttime hours. The technology aims to reduce artificial lighting costs and energy consumption in urban areas.
However, the European Southern Observatory issued a stark warning, calling the project an "existential threat" to optical astronomy. The satellite's brightness could compromise observations from ground-based telescopes and interfere with scientific research that depends on dark skies.
The approval marks a significant moment in the emerging field of space-based lighting technology. Reflect Orbital has positioned Eärendil-1 as an environmental solution, but the astronomical community remains deeply concerned about light pollution's impact on both professional research and stargazing.
The satellite's launch timeline has not been announced.
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