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The authorization granted by the United States government for the launch of the experimental satellite Eärendil-1 marks a new chapter in space exploration. Equipped with a huge reflector, the equipment will be able to direct sunlight to specific regions of the Earth during the night, but the technological advancement also raises concerns about astronomy, light pollution, and environmental impacts.
The United States has taken a step that could transform the way artificial lighting is used on the planet. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has officially authorized the startup Reflect Orbital to build, launch, and operate Eärendil-1, an experimental satellite equipped with a gigantic mirror capable of reflecting sunlight to specific points on Earth during the night.
The authorization was granted on July 9, 2026 and represents a milestone for a project that has divided opinions among scientists, engineers, and environmentalists for years. According to a report published by WIRED, the mission aims to demonstrate the technical feasibility of an unprecedented technology that could provide temporary lighting on demand for different civil, commercial, and governmental applications.
If the experiment is successful, it could pave the way for a true constellation of mirrored satellites in low Earth orbit.
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Satellite will use an 18-meter mirror to reflect sunlight
Named Eärendil-1 — a reference to the universe created by J. R. R. Tolkien, author of The Lord of the Rings —, the satellite will be placed in low Earth orbit, at approximately 625 kilometers altitude.
Its main component is an ultra-thin reflector with an 18-meter diameter, developed to redirect sunlight to specific regions of the Earth’s surface for short periods.
According to Reflect Orbital, the equipment will be able to illuminate areas approximately 5 to 6 kilometers in diameter, functioning as a kind of “light beam on demand.”
The initial goal of the mission is not to illuminate entire cities, but to prove that the technology can operate with enough precision for practical applications.
On social media, the company celebrated the authorization.
According to Reflect Orbital, the FCC approval represents a decisive step in demonstrating an innovative space technology and reinforces the United States’ leadership in space exploration projects.
The expectation is that the launch of the experimental satellite will take place before the end of 2026.
Project aims to expand solar energy production and assist emergency operations
When the idea was first presented, in 2024, Reflect Orbital argued that the technology could solve one of the main limitations of solar energy: the absence of light during the night.
At the time, WIRED explained that the plan consisted of reflecting sunlight onto large photovoltaic plants after sunset, allowing them to continue generating electricity even outside daylight hours.
Since then, the project has gained new possibilities.
According to the company, the system could be used to:
- support search and rescue operations;
- provide temporary lighting during natural disasters;
- assist critical infrastructures in emergency situations;
- extend the operating time of solar parks;
- illuminate remote worksites and facilities without the need for fossil fuel-powered generators.
The company believes that the technology could reduce operational costs in various activities and offer an alternative for regions where temporary lighting is essential.
The Eärendil-1 will be the first test of this proposal.
Plan foresees up to 50,000 satellites and worries astronomers
Despite the company’s enthusiasm, the proposal is far from being a consensus.
During the authorization process conducted by the FCC, about 2,000 public comments were submitted, many of them criticizing the project.
Among the entities expressing concern are the American Astronomical Society, DarkSky International, and the Royal Astronomical Society.
These organizations warn that the use of space mirrors could significantly increase light pollution, hindering astronomical observations made by telescopes installed on Earth.
Additionally, researchers claim that artificial lighting reflected from space could alter nocturnal ecosystems, affect species that depend on darkness for reproduction and feeding, and even impact air navigation.
Another point of attention is the expansion plan disclosed by Reflect Orbital.
According to the startup, the goal is to have 50,000 mirrored satellites in operation by 2035.
If this happens, the night sky could undergo an unprecedented transformation.
Researcher Tony Tyson, from the University of California at Davis and chief researcher at the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, stated that he has doubts about the company’s ability to control the reflections with the promised precision.
For him, the success of the project could mean a sky filled with artificial bright spots.
Experts speak of risk to global astronomy
The potential impacts go beyond casual sky observation.
Today, astronomical observatories already coexist with thousands of satellites in low orbit, which often leave bright trails in the images captured by telescopes.
The introduction of satellites equipped with large reflective mirrors could make this challenge even greater.
According to representatives of the European Southern Observatory (ESO), a future large-scale constellation could significantly alter the appearance of the night sky.
A representative of the institution stated that, for optical astronomy, this scenario represents an existential threat and argued that regulatory bodies should closely monitor the evolution of the technology.
Meanwhile, Reflect Orbital maintains that it intends to operate its systems in a controlled and directed manner, avoiding unnecessary reflections.
The discussion, therefore, is just beginning.
On one side, there is a technology that promises to expand renewable energy generation, support emergency missions, and create new possibilities for infrastructure.
On the other, scientists warn of consequences that could affect scientific research, ecosystems, and the very way humanity observes the sky.
If the Eärendil-1 delivers on its promises, the night may never be quite the same again.
And you, do you believe that the benefits of a satellite capable of illuminating the Earth at night outweigh the potential impacts on astronomy and the environment?
