FCC Approves Space Mirror Satellite Over Astronomers' Objections

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has authorized Reflect Orbital to launch Eärendil-1, a prototype satellite equipped with an 18-meter reflective film designed to redirect sunlight to Earth at night. Source: The Verge The company plans to eventually deploy up to 50,000 such satellites by 2035, offering "on-demand" sunlight for solar energy, agriculture, search and rescue, and construction. Source: Gizmodo

The Concerns

The proposal has drawn sharp criticism from astronomers and environmental groups. The American Astronomical Society (AAS) warned that the satellite "would be intentionally reflecting sunlight on Earth and is designed to be as bright as possible," potentially causing eye damage to observers and blinding pilots and drivers. Source: Engadget The European Southern Observatory (ESO) stated that the full constellation would increase sky brightness at its facilities by a factor of three to four, calling it "an existential threat" to optical astronomy. Source: Wired DarkSky International and the Royal Astronomical Society also opposed the project. Source: The Verge Nearly 2,000 public comments were filed with the FCC raising these concerns. Source: Wired

The Response

Reflect Orbital claims it will implement safeguards, such as avoiding reflections near observatories and turning satellites off by default. Source: Gizmodo However, the FCC ruled that concerns about astronomy and the environment are outside its jurisdiction, citing the Communications Act that encourages new technologies. Source: Tom's Hardware The agency stated that such issues "are not a basis for denial of or additional conditions on Reflect Orbital's operations." Source: Gizmodo Critics question which regulator, if any, will address the broader impacts. Source: Engadget