What Could Go Wrong? U.S. Approves Huge ‘Sunlight on Demand’ Satellite Despite Safety Warnings
The single test mission will measure whether a 60-foot reflector can survive launch, unfold in orbit and steer sunlight to a target area.
- On Thursday, the Federal Communications Commission authorized California-based Reflect Orbital to launch Earendil-1, a demonstration satellite with an 18-metre steerable mirror designed to beam sunlight to Earth at night.
- Reflect Orbital intends to use the technology to extend solar farm operating hours and illuminate disaster-struck areas during emergencies, with plans to launch the test satellite later this year.
- The American Astronomical Society and environmental groups filed over 1,800 public comments opposing the plan, citing potential for 'eye damage to amateur astronomers' and negative impacts on federally funded astronomical research.
- In its order, the FCC ruled that visual impact falls outside its statutory authority, granting a two-year license while requiring coordination with NASA, the National Science Foundation, and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.
- While critics fear a hypothetical 50,000-satellite constellation by 2035, Earendil-1 will first provide real-world data on whether orbital sunlight can effectively compete with existing ground-based equipment for commercial viability.
14 Articles
14 Articles
What Could Go Wrong? U.S. Approves Huge ‘Sunlight on Demand’ Satellite Despite Safety Warnings
The FCC just approved tests of a giant space mirror that will beam sunlight down to Earth at night, over an area roughly 3 miles wide, with plans for tens of thousands more satellites if it succeeds. The post What Could Go Wrong? U.S. Approves Huge ‘Sunlight on Demand’ Satellite Despite Safety Warnings appeared first on StudyFinds.
The U.S. government approved plans for a startup to test a satellite that would use a 18.3-metre mirror to reflect sunlight back to Earth after dusk, as part of a project that the company claims to feed solar farms, provide light to rescue teams, and illuminate the streets of the cities. On a licence issued on Thursday, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) gave a green signal to the Orbital Reflect of Hawthorne, California, to launch its …
Could Night Soon Look Like Day? US Approves Giant Space Mirror That Could Bring 'Sunlight on Demand' to Earth
The US has approved the first test of a 'Sunlight on Demand' space mirror after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) authorised Reflect Orbital to launch Earendil-1, an experimental satellite designed to reflect sunlight back to Earth. The approval allows the company to test a single satellite, although Reflect Orbital has said it hopes to eventually build a network of more than 50,000 satellites by 2035. Reflect Orbital says its technolo…
US authorities have given the green light for a satellite designed to reflect sunlight to illuminate specific locations at night. The project is being heavily criticized by astronomers and environmental activists. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has officially authorized the launch of Eärendil-1. This satellite, developed by the company Reflect Orbital, can deploy a massive reflector made of thin material to reflect sunlight to spec…
In 2026, the FCC authorized radio operations for Reflect Orbital’s first 18-metre space mirror, a single demonstration for a proposed 50,000-satellite system that one astronomy model says could raise the natural night-sky background by 200% to 300%
The Federal Communications Commission has authorized radio operations for Eärendil-1, a demonstration satellite built around a reflector measuring roughly 18 metres by 18 metres. If it reaches orbit and unfolds successfully, the spacecraft will redirect a moving patch of sunlight onto the dark side of Earth. The distinction between this satellite and the system behind it matters. According to SpaceNews’ report on the authorization, the decision …
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 43% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
