FCC Approves Experimental Space Mirror Satellite That Could Reflect Sunlight to Earth at Night The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved a demonstration license for Reflect Orbital's "Earendil-1" satellite, an experimental spacecraft designed to reflect sunlight onto Earth after sunset using an orbital mirror. The project aims to test space-based illumination, but it has already sparked widespread debate. Astronomers and environmental experts warn that artificial light from orbit could interfere with telescopes, disrupt nocturnal wildlife, and affect human sleep cycles. The FCC stated that light pollution and other non-radio environmental impacts fall outside its regulatory authority, allowing the test to move forward without an optical environmental review. If the technology proves successful, Reflect Orbital hopes to deploy up to 50,000 mirror satellites by 2035. Supporters see new possibilities for nighttime lighting, while critics fear it could permanently alter Earth's natural dark skies and hinder future astronomical research. Source: Randolph, M. (2026). U.S. approval of giant "space mirror" satellite alarms astronomers. Scientific American. #SpaceTechnology #astronomy #lightpollution #ScienceNews #SpaceExploration