FCC approves test of space mirror to light night sky

The Federal Communications Commission approved a test by Reflect Orbital of a satellite designed to reflect sunlight to Earth for extra solar energy and wide-area lighting, the agency said. The FCC authorized one satellite, named Earendil-1, which is expected to illuminate an area about five kilometres wide and require repointing every four minutes. Reflect Orbital plans to deploy more than 50,000 satellites by 2035 for agricultural, emergency response and other industrial sectors. Astronomers and the public opposed the proposal, citing safety concerns including flashes during repointing that could disrupt pilots and drivers, disruption of circadian rhythms, and potential damage to sensitive telescope detectors and star-tracking cameras. The FCC said risks of harm raised regarding the solar reflector are unrelated to the Commission's role in authorizing use of radiofrequency spectrum. The approval comes as the FCC evaluates a growing number of satellite proposals for what it terms "weird space stuff," including orbital AI data centers, space advertising and solar-powered infrared beams. The agency was originally set up to regulate radio broadcasts but is now being asked to evaluate non-radio effects such as orbital safety.