FCC Approves Reflect Orbital's Mirror Satellite Test Mission

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission has granted Reflect Orbital a license to launch its demonstration satellite, Eärendil‑1, on a SpaceX rideshare mission scheduled for later this year. Eärendil‑1 is a steerable thin‑film reflector about 18 m (60 ft) on a side that will redirect sunlight toward specific areas on Earth, creating a spot of light roughly 5 km wide after sunset.

Reflect Orbital says the technology could illuminate disaster zones, construction sites, agricultural fields and other remote locations, thereby extending the usefulness of existing solar infrastructure and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The FCC noted the approval is limited to a single‑satellite test designed to evaluate feasibility and identify challenges for future iterations.

The project has drawn criticism from the American Astronomical Society, which warns that reflected light could damage sensitive telescopes and interfere with radio observations. Environmental groups also express concern over potential light‑pollution impacts on nocturnal ecosystems. Reflect Orbital’s long‑term vision calls for a constellation of tens of thousands of such satellites by 2035.