The Federal Communications Commission approved Reflect Orbital’s test satellite on July 9, clearing the way for the company to launch Earendil-1, an 18-meter thin-film reflector designed to bounce sunlight to Earth after dark. The approval marks a milestone for the California-based startup’s “sunlight on demand” concept, despite fierce opposition from astronomers and environmental groups.
Earendil-1 is a 142-kilogram spacecraft scheduled to launch by the end of 2026 into an orbit between 600 and 650 kilometers altitude. Once deployed, its reflector will direct sunlight to specific locations on Earth, with each beam covering an area roughly five kilometers wide and requiring repointing every four minutes. Reflect Orbital says the technology could light construction sites, support search-and-rescue operations, and extend solar energy collection on farms after sunset.
The FCC’s authorization came after the application generated nearly 1,900 comments, the vast majority opposing the project. The agency concluded that concerns about impacts on astronomy and the environment fell outside its regulatory jurisdiction, which focuses on spectrum allocation. “To the contrary, it is in the public interest to make spectrum available to encourage companies to test new and innovative space activities, as it promotes American innovation,” the FCC stated in its order.
Astronomical and Environmental Concerns
Astronomers and scientists have raised alarm about Reflect Orbital’s broader vision. The company plans to deploy more than 50,000 satellites by 2035, a constellation that could fundamentally alter the night sky. According to one astronomy model cited in search results, such a system could raise natural night-sky background brightness by 200 to 300 percent.
Tony Tyson, distinguished research professor at UC Davis and chief scientist of the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, warned at a June 4 National Academies meeting that Reflect Orbital’s plans were “even crazier” than existing broadband satellite constellations. He expressed concern that the thin-film reflectors would scatter sunlight over a wider area than intended, saying “imagine the sky full of moons.” The European Southern Observatory stated that the full 50,000-satellite constellation would increase background sky brightness at its Chilean facilities by a factor of three to four, severely limiting telescopes’ ability to detect faint objects.
Beyond astronomy, critics warn of other hazards. Flashes during mirror repointing could distract pilots and drivers. The constant nighttime illumination could disrupt circadian rhythms in plants, animals, and humans. Sensitive research telescope detectors and star-tracking cameras on satellites could be damaged by the intense reflected light. The FCC acknowledged these concerns but determined they were outside its authority to regulate.
The approval of Earendil-1 is a single demonstration satellite, not approval for the full constellation. However, the test will provide critical data on whether the technology works as intended and whether Reflect Orbital’s safeguards prove effective. The company has committed to collaborating with NASA and the National Science Foundation on protecting optical astronomy and to working with the broader astronomical community on its concerns.
Sources
- SpaceNews — Reported FCC approval on July 9, 2026, satellite specifications, launch timeline, and details on astronomical opposition from Tony Tyson and the European Southern Observatory.
- The Conversation — Provided details on the satellite’s reflector size, beam coverage area, repointing frequency, full constellation plans of 50,000 satellites by 2035, and impacts on circadian rhythms and astronomy.
- Space Daily — Cited astronomy model showing 200-300% potential increase in natural night-sky background brightness from the full constellation.
- PCMag — Reported nearly 1,900 critical comments on the FCC application and concerns about eye damage to amateur astronomers.
