Overview
- The FCC granted permission for Eärendil-1 to operate its radio equipment on Friday, July 10, 2026, but the approval does not cover the satellite’s reflective surface or authorize a larger constellation.
- Reflect Orbital’s Eärendil-1 is a demonstration satellite planned for a near‑polar orbit around 625 km that will deploy an 18×18 meter aluminized Mylar mirror designed to steer a roughly 5 km‑wide patch of sunlight to Earth.
- Astronomers and organizations including the European Southern Observatory say models show fleets of large reflective satellites could create bright streaks, raise skyglow, and severely degrade ground‑based optical and near‑IR astronomy.
- Critics also warn of risks to wildlife, driver and pilot safety, and orbital crowding, while regulators note disposal rules require deorbiting within 25 years but do not resolve broader environmental and collision concerns.
- Before any scaling can proceed, Reflect Orbital must build, launch and demonstrate Eärendil‑1’s mirror control, and regulators, scientists and the public must resolve who will assess and limit the mirror’s light and ecological impacts.