Reflect Orbital’s Earendil-1 filing is under FCC review as a test of space-based nighttime lighting, with public comments on case SAT-LOA-20250701-00129 due by March 9, 2026.
The demonstration satellite would carry an 18-by-18-meter reflector at 600 to 650 kilometers altitude, aiming a roughly 5-kilometer beam at Earth as the first step toward a constellation exceeding 50,000 satellites by 2035.
Astronomers say the concept could brighten some skies by 3 to 4 times and leave image-spoiling trails; cited research has projected reflected satellite light could affect about 40% of Hubble images and up to 96% for some observatories.
DarkSky International and other critics also warn of ecological, health and orbital-safety risks, arguing artificial night light can disrupt sleep, wildlife and migration while adding collision and debris hazards in low Earth orbit.
The case has widened into a regulatory debate over whether a U.S. approval for one test craft could set a precedent for commercial 'sunlight on demand' with cross-border effects on observatories, protected areas and communities.
A US firm can now light up the Earth. Who has the power to stop the commercialization of the night sky?
With satellites poised to outshine the Moon, is this the end of our ability to see the universe from Earth?
FCC Greenlights Reflect Orbital’s Earendil-1 Demo: Public Outcry Over Light Pollution, Regulation Gaps, and the Commercialization of Orbital Sunlight
Overview
On July 10, 2026, the FCC approved Reflect Orbital's Earendil-1 demonstration satellite, sparking intense public debate and scrutiny. This approval is a major milestone for Reflect Orbital, which aims to commercialize orbital sunlight on a large scale. While the Earendil-1 satellite is only a demonstration, it has raised significant concerns from the scientific community, especially about risks like eye damage to amateur astronomers and potential harm to scientific research. Despite these worries, the FCC focused its approval on the single satellite, not the company’s broader ambitions, highlighting the limited scope of current regulations.