Reflect Orbital FCC approval challenged over satellite sunlight test
Four groups want the FCC to revisit its approval of a space-mirror test, citing potential risks to wildlife, astronomy and public safety.
By Frankie Delgado · News Reporter
3 min read
The Reflect Orbital FCC approval is facing a formal challenge after four environmental organizations asked the agency to reverse permission for a satellite designed to direct reflected sunlight onto Earth after dark.
DarkSky International, Environment America, the American Bird Conservancy and Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility filed their petition Thursday, according to NBC News. They are seeking reversal of a July decision by the FCC’s Space Bureau authorizing the Earendil-1 demonstration mission.
The groups say the FCC should assess environmental, safety and public-interest effects before the test goes ahead. Their concerns include potential disruption to nocturnal wildlife, interference with astronomical research, and glare or eye-safety risks for people on the ground.
What did the FCC approve for Reflect Orbital?
The authorization covers one demonstration satellite, not the larger fleet Reflect Orbital has proposed for the future. Earendil-1 would carry a 59-foot-wide mirror intended to bounce sunlight onto a chosen place during darkness, NBC News reported, citing the FCC order.
The planned design would produce a ground beam about 3.1 miles wide from an altitude of roughly 400 miles. The stated purpose of the test is to determine whether a satellite can direct sunlight to a particular area at night.
Reflect Orbital has said it aims to make sunlight available without limits imposed by time of day, location or ground infrastructure. The company has also said it could rotate a satellite to adjust or shut off the reflected light, and would avoid sensitive environments and areas set aside for astronomy.
Its broader ambition is far bigger: more than 50,000 satellites by 2035, according to NBC News. That constellation has not been approved under the Earendil-1 decision.
Why are the groups objecting?
The petitioners argue that a beam spanning several miles could affect people beyond an intended customer or target area. Optical engineer Eric Bretschneider told NBC News that concentrated reflected sunlight could create glare concerns for pilots, drivers and others. His assessment is a warning about possible effects, not evidence of harm from the unlaunched mission.
Astronomer Samantha Lawler told NBC News that the satellite could complicate observations around the world while it is above the horizon. The coalition also says artificial light at night can alter the behavior of migratory birds, insects and other nocturnal animals that use natural night light for navigation, feeding and reproduction.
DarkSky International’s Ruskin Hartley said the effect of a space mirror on wildlife is unknown because the technology has not been tried, while arguing that research on artificial nighttime light shows effects on animals.
The FCC has previously said, according to a July analysis published by UBC News, that alleged harms raised in the record were outside its role in authorizing radiofrequency-spectrum use. That position does not resolve the new petition.
Reflect Orbital declined to comment on the petition, NBC News reported. The FCC did not immediately respond to the outlet’s request for comment.
This story draws on original reporting from NBC News.