The United States agrees to launch a mirror satellite that can reflect sunlight and illuminate the Earth at night

On July 9, the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) authorized Reflect Orbital to build, launch and operate a mirror. Satellite in Low Earth orbit. The experimental satellite, called Eärendil-1, will be able to reflect sunlight onto specific locations on Earth during the night. The project has long drawn criticism from astronomers and environmental advocates.

WIRED wrote about the giant Reflect Orbital mirror in September 2024when the project was still in its early stages: “The ambitious goal of the Santa Monica, California-based startup is to ensure a continuous supply of light to large solar panel installations, allowing them to generate electricity even at night and thus overcoming one of the main limitations of this renewable energy source.” Two years later, the Trump administration did just that grant Green light for “on demand” solar light provider.

Eärendil-1, equipped with an 18-meter reflector, can illuminate areas 5 to 6 kilometers in diameter for short periods (the name of the mirror satellite is a reference to a character from JRR Tolkien’s book) Lord of the Rings series). The authorization allows the company to deploy the experimental satellite at an altitude of about 625 kilometers. Its primary goal is to evaluate the technical feasibility of its ultra-thin, highly reflective, film-based reflector.

“We are grateful to the FCC for approving our request to fly our test mission,” the company said He said On social media. “This ruling is a major vindication for our company and reflects America’s leadership in testing innovative space technology.”

The US startup says this highly controversial technology could have a variety of civil, commercial and government applications. This includes providing lighting for search and rescue operations, supporting critical infrastructure during emergencies, extending the production hours of solar installations, and temporarily lighting remote construction sites without relying on traditional generators.

Beyond “let’s sleep”

Eärendil-1 will be just the beginning. Reflect Orbital expects to operate 50,000 satellites by 2035. And that’s just one company. If the initiative succeeds, it could give rise to a whole new global industry, something that is already keeping many people awake, at least figuratively for now. “Imagine the sky full of moons,” says Tony Tyson, a researcher at the University of California, Davis and chief scientist at the Vera C. Rubin Observatory. Tyson remains skeptical that these satellites can direct reflected light with the precision the startup claims.

During the regulatory review process, the FCC received nearly 2,000 public comments questioning the proposal. Its most prominent critics include the American Astronomical Society, DarkSky International, and the Royal Astronomical Society. These organizations warn of the potential impacts such satellites could have on astronomy, nocturnal ecosystems, and aviation safety.

Opponents argue that ground-based observatories already have to deal with thousands of satellites in low Earth orbit that interfere with astronomical observations. Even a few space mirrors can increase light pollution Make notes more difficultwhile a future large-scale satellite constellation would radically change the appearance of the night sky. “For optical astronomy, this is an existential threat, and we hope regulators share this view,” Betty Kiyoko, corporate affairs officer at the European Southern Observatory (ESO), said in a statement ahead of the FCC’s decision.

Some researchers have also raised concerns about potential flashes of reflected light that could affect aircraft pilots, drivers or wildlife that rely on natural cycles of light and dark.

Despite these objections, the FCC concluded that the order only covered a single experimental satellite, not a commercial constellation. The agency stated in its decision that Eärendil-1 is a time-limited technology demonstration and its results will help determine whether the concept is technically viable and identify challenges associated with any future developments. Any future deployment of multiple satellites will require new regulatory approvals.