The US Federal Communications Commission approved a satellite launch by startup Reflect Orbital to test a thin-film reflector designed to direct sunlight toward specific locations on Earth, according to agency records. The Earendil-1 satellite aims to extend usable hours for solar cells and provide illumination for critical operations by reflecting abundant sunlight during nighttime hours, as stated in the company’s FCC application.
Satellite Design and Proposed Energy Goals
Reflect Orbital designed the Earendil-1 satellite with a highly specular thin-film reflector. This hardware can direct sunlight to specific geographic locations at scheduled times. According to the company’s website, humanity consumes less than one trillionth of the sun’s output, yet solar power represents just 7% of global electricity production. Reflect Orbital argues that capturing a larger fraction of solar energy will reduce fossil-fuel dependence.
Did you know? Reflect Orbital’s website presents a future where consumers can order sunlight on demand, providing even coverage over an area as small as five kilometers without requiring ground infrastructure.
Astronomy and Public Safety Concerns
The FCC application drew nearly 2,000 public comments and protests from scientific organizations, including the American Astronautical Society, Aviation Safety Stakeholders, DarkSky International, and the Royal Astronomical Society. Critics told regulators that the reflective satellite could endanger the public by creating glare that affects pilots and drivers. Other opponents expressed concern over the disruptive impact of orbital reflectors on astronomy and stargazing.
These objections are amplified by Reflect Orbital’s long-term deployment schedule. The company plans to launch two satellites in 2026, followed by an exponential rollout growing from 36 spacecraft in 2027 to over 5,000 by 2030, according to public project disclosures. Reflect Orbital projects that two satellites could generate light comparable to a full moon over a targeted area. However, the FCC noted that complaints regarding a future fleet of satellites were not factored into the current decision because the approval applies solely to the Earendil-1 test.
Company Response and Controllability Claims
Reflect Orbital pushed back against the protests by emphasizing that the technology allows for precise controllability of sunlight. The startup stated that its operations will be limited in duration and coordinated closely with affected communities and scientific institutions. Furthermore, the company indicated a willingness to change course if empirical evidence fails to support the safe deployment of the technology.
Arguing the necessity of the project, Reflect Orbital stated that the risk of failing to expand clean energy sources outweighs the potential downsides of the new hardware. “If the world fails to create abundant clean energy, the consequences will be measured in poverty, instability, preventable disease, lost opportunity, continued fossil-fuel dependence, and unnecessary human suffering,” the company wrote on its platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Earendil-1 satellite?
The Earendil-1 satellite is designed to test a thin-film reflector that directs sunlight to specific locations on Earth, extending the operating hours of solar cells and providing targeted illumination, according to Reflect Orbital’s FCC application.
Who opposed the FCC application?
The FCC received nearly 2,000 comments protesting the application, with formal objections raised by groups including the American Astronautical Society, Aviation Safety Stakeholders, DarkSky International, and the Royal Astronomical Society.
How many satellites does Reflect Orbital plan to launch?
Following the initial Earendil-1 test, the company aims to launch two satellites in 2026, scale to 36 satellites in 2027, and expand to over 5,000 satellites by 2030, according to company projections.
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