California startup Reflect Orbital has received federal clearance to launch a prototype satellite designed to reflect sunlight onto specific areas of Earth after dark. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved the mission for the company’s Eärendil-1 satellite, which will deploy a 59-foot film reflector to test the feasibility of creating artificial illumination for disaster response, agriculture, and industrial operations.
The Mechanics of Orbital Sunlight
Reflect Orbital’s technology relies on a large, deployable film structure—measuring 18 meters in length—that captures sunlight while in orbit and redirects it toward a targeted geographic location on the ground. The company envisions a constellation of up to 50,000 such satellites to provide consistent illumination.
According to the company, this system aims to deliver light intensities ranging from 0.8 to 2.3 lux. For perspective, a full Moon on a clear night typically provides between 0.05 and 0.3 lux. Reflect Orbital states the service could assist in search-and-rescue missions, extend agricultural growing seasons, and provide light for defense or industrial applications. The company maintains that its satellites will remain in an “off” state by default and that light delivery will only occur when requested and approved by local authorities.
Did you know?
Reflect Orbital’s proposed light intensity of 0.8 to 2.3 lux is significantly brighter than the natural light provided by a full Moon, which peaks at approximately 0.3 lux.
Astronomical Concerns and Regulatory Stance
The proposed constellation faces significant opposition from the scientific community. The European Southern Observatory (ESO) published a report indicating that a full fleet of these mirrors could cause the loss of every image captured by sensitive ground-based instruments, such as the Rubin Observatory’s camera, due to the brightness of the reflected sunlight.
DarkSky International has formally called for increased transparency and a comprehensive environmental review before the system is deployed. Despite these objections, the FCC’s approval process did not account for these concerns. In its response to the application, the FCC noted that the potential impact on astronomy falls outside its regulatory jurisdiction and does not constitute a valid basis for denying the mission or imposing additional operational conditions.
Mitigation and Operational Oversight
Reflect Orbital asserts that it is actively collaborating with the astronomical community to minimize interference. As a member of the International Astronomical Union’s Centre for the Protection of the Dark and Quiet Sky, the company claims it will systematically avoid redirecting light near active observatories.
The company emphasizes its ability to control the mirror’s orientation, stating it can dim, turn off, or relocate the light spot at any time. Because the system requires authorization within the relevant jurisdiction for every instance of light delivery, Reflect Orbital argues that the technology will be managed with strict oversight.
Frequently Asked Questions
How bright will the light from the satellites be?
Reflect Orbital projects that its satellites will deliver light between 0.8 and 2.3 lux, which is roughly 3 to 8 times the brightness of a full Moon.
What is the primary purpose of the Eärendil-1 satellite?
The Eärendil-1 prototype is designed to test the deployment and reflection capabilities of the 59-foot film mirror in low Earth orbit.
Can the satellites be turned off?
Yes. According to Reflect Orbital, the satellites default to an “off” position and the company retains full control to dim or relocate the light spot as needed.
Why did the FCC approve the launch despite opposition from astronomers?
The FCC stated that concerns regarding the impact on astronomical observations are outside of its jurisdiction and do not provide legal grounds to deny the launch of the prototype.
What are your thoughts on the future of space-based lighting? Share your perspective in the comments below, or sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on the latest developments in space technology and orbital policy.
Keep reading
