Reflect Orbital Gains FCC Approval for Sunlight-Reflecting Satellite

Reflect Orbital received approval from the Federal Communications Commission to launch its Eärendil-1 satellite into Earth orbit. The company intends to test a method of reflecting sunlight to targeted areas on Earth, potentially extending the utility of solar power and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

The initial demonstration will utilize a 60-foot by 60-foot steerable thin-film reflector. Reflect Orbital envisions applications ranging from illuminating disaster zones and boosting agricultural yields to providing uninterrupted power for defense operations and enhancing public spaces.

The FCC acknowledges Eärendil-1 as a limited, short-duration test to evaluate the feasibility of the technology. The results of this mission will determine whether Reflect Orbital can move forward with plans to eventually deploy a constellation of over 50,000 satellites by 2035.