FCC Grants License for Reflect Orbital's Earendil-1 Space Mirror Test Satellite

The Federal Communications Commission on Thursday authorized California-based startup Reflect Orbital to launch and operate a low-Earth-orbit satellite, Earendil-1, using the requested radio-frequency spectrum. The satellite will carry a 60-foot-by-60-foot thin-film reflector designed to bounce sunlight onto a ground area roughly three miles wide, with the company saying the technology could later power nighttime solar farms or illuminate disaster zones.

Reflect Orbital envisions a future constellation of up to 50,000 similar satellites, but the current approval applies only to this single demonstration mission. The agency noted that its mandate covers radio communications, not the optical effects of the reflector, and therefore it could not assess potential light-pollution impacts. The FCC concluded that any such risks are outweighed by the public-interest benefits of testing the technology.

The decision follows more than 1,800 public comments, many from astronomers and environmental groups concerned about possible glare, eye-damage risks for telescope users, and interference with scientific observations. The American Astronomical Society highlighted these concerns, while James Verner of Dark Sky UK questioned which agency would oversee sky-impact assessments if the FCC lacks that authority.

Reflect Orbital said Earendil-1 is slated for launch later this year and will generate data to guide future designs, market development, and community engagement. The company also announced plans to commission independent research on the technology’s impacts, including collaboration with the National Science Foundation, and to avoid directing reflected light toward observatories or other protected areas.