- FCC approves testing of satellites designed to reflect sunlight toward Earth
- Startup plans thousands of orbital mirrors capable of extending daylight periods
- Scientists warn that artificial sunlight could interfere with astronomical observations worldwide
A California startup has received approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to test satellites designed to reflect sunlight toward Earth.
Reflect Orbital plans to launch its Eärendil-1 spacecraft with large orbital mirrors capable of extending daylight in selected areas.
The concept promises new applications for energy and emergency services, although scientists have expressed concern about its wider implications.
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 about 60 feet, across.
The reflected sunlight will be directed at specific locations for short periods of time, supporting activities such as construction work, search and rescue operations, and solar power generation.
Reflect Orbital says its mirrors could eventually deliver up to 36,000 lux, roughly comparable to real daylight conditions found outdoors.
The system could also deliver around 100 lux continuously, equivalent to lighting typically found inside standard indoor work areas around the clock.
“We are grateful to the FCC for recognizing the importance of testing new technologies in space,” Ben Nowack, CEO of Reflect Orbital, said in a statement.
“This license is the first step towards rigorous testing of 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 to dark areas.
While the real-world technology differs significantly from the movie concept, critics argue that similar questions about unintended effects remain relevant as implementation plans expand.
Astronomers and environmental groups warn of possible impacts
Astronomers have expressed concern that reflected sunlight from thousands of satellites could interfere with observations of faint objects across the night sky.
Tony Tyson, chief scientist at the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, described the proposal as “even crazier” than previous satellite constellation challenges affecting astronomical research.
The European Southern Observatory warned that a full array could increase sky brightness at its facilities by three to four times, reducing telescopes’ ability to detect distant and faint astronomical sources.
Scientists also claim that artificial nighttime lighting can affect biological systems that depend on natural day and night cycles.
These concerns involve plants, animals, and humans that depend on predictable environmental patterns for normal behavior.
The FCC stated that scientific and environmental issues fall outside its direct regulatory authority, which focuses mainly on communications services involving radio, television, satellite and related systems.
The agency approved the test because it believes allowing new space technologies supports innovation and economic development.
Critics can instead 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 tests, oversight, and independent scientific assessments.
Via Tom’s hardware
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