The US government has approved a demonstration satellite designed to send sunlight down to Earth at night.
The Federal Communications Commission granted a license to startup Reflect Orbital for its Eärendil-1 satellite, an 18-meter reflective mirror built to redirect sunlight to targeted spots after dark. The company says the tech could extend power for solar farms, light up construction sites, and support search-and-rescue missions.
The approval received strong attention, drawing nearly 1,900 public comments, most raising concerns. The FCC said reviewing light pollution and effects on astronomy falls outside its authority, so those impacts were not formally reviewed.
The American Astronomical Society expressed concern about the decision. Scientists also note a full 50,000-satellite constellation planned by 2035 could brighten dark skies worldwide and affect wildlife active at night.
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Sources: SpaceNews, Astronomy Magazine, Payload Space, Space.com
