FCC Approves Test of Space-Based Sunlight Reflection

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved a test satellite from Reflect Orbital, a California-based company, aiming to create “sunlight on demand” from space. This satellite carries a large reflective mirror to redirect sunlight back to Earth.

The satellite, called Earendil-1, will test the feasibility of reflecting sunlight onto specific Earth locations. The coverage area is roughly 5 kilometers (3 miles) wide, necessitating the satellite to adjust its mirror every four minutes as it orbits. This technology could benefit agriculture, emergency response, and industrial sectors by providing broad-area illumination and enhancing solar energy generation.

Reflect Orbital plans to eventually deploy a larger network of satellites. However, the approval of this demonstration satellite has sparked debate. Critics, including astronomers and other experts, have raised concerns about potential negative impacts.

“This approval is deeply concerning, and reflects a pattern we have seen repeatedly in the commercialization of space: act first, assess later, and let someone else deal with the consequences,” said University of Texas at Austin professor Moriba Jah to Newsweek.

Astronomy professor Samantha Lawler from the University of Regina expressed skepticism, noting that a single satellite provides light only slightly brighter than moonlight. She asserted that hundreds of satellites would be needed to provide significant illumination.

The proposed system has also generated worry about increased light pollution, which could disrupt astronomical observations and interfere with sensitive telescope equipment. Further, there are concerns about wildlife, human health, and space sustainability. Artificial lighting can disturb natural biological cycles that various species depend on. Additionally, additional light exposure could affect human circadian rhythms.

Critics warn that thousands of mirror satellites could clutter low-Earth orbit, raising risks of collisions and challenging space traffic management. Despite these concerns, the FCC concluded that the issues raised were outside its scope of regulating radio-frequency spectrum, resulting in the test mission’s approval.

Jah highlighted a major concern regarding governance. The FCC overlooked over 1,600 public comments on potential damages to astronomy, wildlife, and human health. Jah voiced that the scientific community’s warnings went unheeded by any federal agency, leading to the approval without a comprehensive environmental review.

“I am extremely concerned that the FCC has approved this test satellite despite hundreds of letters of opposition from the general public,” Lawler remarked. She emphasized the regulatory loophole, as no U.S. federal agency regulates optical light from satellites or their environmental effects.

For now, the Earendil-1 mission serves as an early test of orbit-based sunlight reflection. It will help determine the concept’s practicality and could yield insights into the broader environmental and societal implications of this technology.