FCC Approves Reflect Orbital's Sun-Beaming Satellite Test, Sparking Environmental Petition

Reflect Orbital, a startup based in California, has secured approval from the FCC to deploy its experimental satellite, Earendil-1, which is engineered to reflect sunlight back to Earth. This initiative aims to prolong the operational hours of solar panels during the night, thereby improving solar energy efficiency. The FCC granted approval on July 9, emphasizing the project's public benefit. Earendil-1 is equipped with a mirror measuring 59x59 feet and will function in low-Earth orbit, casting a beam that spans three miles. Reflect Orbital intends to launch 36 satellites by next year, with a goal of reaching 50,000 by 2035. Nevertheless, on August 6, environmental organizations like Earthjustice and DarkSky International filed a petition to revoke this approval, raising concerns about wildlife, health, and astronomical observations. Critics point out the absence of regulations regarding satellite brightness.