Mirrors in Space? The FCC Just Approved a Sun-Reflecting Satellite, and Astronomers Are Worried

Key Points:

• The FCC approved Reflect Orbital's Eärendil-1 satellite, equipped with an 18x18 meter mirror, to test reflecting sunlight onto Earth's dark side, aiming to extend solar power generation into nighttime hours.
• Reflect Orbital envisions deploying up to 50,000 such satellites to illuminate large areas on demand, potentially reducing fossil fuel reliance by addressing electricity demand spikes at sunset.
• Scientists and organizations like the American Astronomical Society and DarkSky International strongly oppose the plan, citing risks of global ecological disruption, increased light pollution, and interference with astronomical observations.
• Experts warn that reflected sunlight from thousands of satellites could scatter in the atmosphere, brightening the night sky and hindering both professional and amateur astronomy, with potential cultural and regulatory consequences.
• While skeptical about the full constellation, some astronomers see value in the single test satellite for measuring impacts and refining mitigation strategies before any large-scale deployment.