US Approves Satellite Mirror to Reflect Sunlight After Dark

The US Federal Communications Commission has granted a permit to Reflect Orbital to launch a satellite that will reflect sunlight toward Earth during nighttime.

• The FCC approved Reflect Orbital's experimental satellite, Eärendil-1, for launch into low Earth orbit later this year.
• The satellite will deploy a 60‑foot mirror that redirects sunlight to a circular area roughly three miles wide on the Earth's surface.
• The American Astronomical Society told the FCC that the proposal does not serve the public interest and could seriously impair astronomical observations.
• Astronomer Samantha Lawler warned that losing naturally dark skies would severely hinder research, and the FCC stated its role is limited to communications regulation, not environmental review.