U.S. FCC Approves Launch of Reflect Orbital's Mirror Satellite Eärendil-1

The Federal Communications Commission has approved Reflect Orbital’s application to launch a satellite named Eärendil-1, which will carry a roughly 60-foot square mirror into low-Earth orbit about 400 miles above the surface. The mirror is designed to reflect sunlight toward a designated area, creating a circular illumination patch roughly three miles in diameter. The company plans to charge customers $5,000 per hour of use, provided they commit to 1,000 hours annually.

Astronomers have expressed opposition, warning that artificial illumination could interfere with observations of the night sky. > "It’s terrifying to me that one country can change the night sky for everybody in the world," said Samantha Lawler, an astronomer at the University of Regina.

Biologists from several countries also cautioned that large-scale deployment of reflective satellites could disrupt natural light cycles, potentially affecting circadian rhythms, animal migration, plant growth and marine phytoplankton.

Reflect Orbital has indicated plans to eventually launch up to 1,000 additional satellites, some larger than the initial model, which could reflect light comparable to 100 full moons. The FCC has so far authorized only the first satellite.