US Startup Reflect Orbital Gets FCC Approval for Reflecting Satellite Launch

California-based startup Reflect Orbital has secured approval from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to launch its first orbital reflecting satellite, named Eärendil-1. The company positions itself as "The Sunlight Company," aiming to make "clean, abundant energy available on demand."

Eärendil-1 is a low Earth orbit satellite equipped with large film mirrors, approximately 18 meters long. These mirrors are designed to reflect sunlight onto specific terrestrial locations. The initial launch aims to validate the satellite's capability to extend daylight by several minutes. Potential future applications include illuminating construction sites at night, assisting search and rescue operations, and enhancing the efficiency of solar power generation.

Reflect Orbital plans to launch two satellites this year and envisions a constellation of over 50,000 satellites by 2035. The company suggests this constellation could provide up to 36,000 lux of daylight-like illumination for hours, or a continuous 100 lux, comparable to indoor office lighting, 24/7.

While approved by the FCC, the technology has drawn criticism from astronomers concerned about increased light pollution affecting nighttime observations and potentially damaging sensitive astronomical equipment. The European Southern Observatory (ESO) stated that a full deployment could increase the sky background brightness by 3 to 4 times at their observatories, significantly hindering their ability to detect faint celestial objects. Environmentalists have also raised concerns about disrupting biological rhythms through artificially extended daylight.

However, the FCC clarified that scientific and environmental issues are outside its regulatory scope, which focuses on interstate and international communications. The commission stated that permitting such activities serves the public interest by fostering innovation and economic growth through the testing of novel space technologies.