Reflect Orbital: FCC Approves Space Mirror Satellite for Night Illumination

On July 9, the US Federal Communications Commission authorized Reflect Orbital to build, launch, and operate a mirror satellite in low Earth orbit. The experimental satellite, named Eärendil-1, is designed to reflect sunlight onto specific locations on Earth during the night. The Santa Monica, California–based startup has been working toward this goal since at least September 2024, when WIRED first covered its plans. Now, with the Trump administration's green light, the company is preparing to test its technology in space.

The satellite carries an 18-meter reflector and can illuminate areas 5 to 6 kilometers in diameter for brief periods. It will be deployed at an altitude of about 625 kilometers. The primary objective is to evaluate the technical feasibility of its ultrathin, highly reflective, film-based reflector. The company's name for the satellite, Eärendil-1, references a character from J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings series.

Reflect Orbital's stated ambition is to ensure a continuous supply of light for large solar panel installations, allowing them to generate electricity even at night. The company argues that this technology could have a variety of civilian, commercial, and government applications, including providing illumination for search-and-rescue operations, supporting critical infrastructure during emergencies, and extending productive hours for solar energy facilities.

“We're grateful to the FCC for granting our application to fly our test mission,” the company said on social media. “This ruling is hugely validating for our company and reflects America's leadership in testing innovative space technology.”

The project has long drawn criticism from astronomers and environmental advocates. Concerns center on light pollution and interference with astronomical observations. The FCC approval, granted under the Trump administration, has intensified the debate over the balance between commercial space innovation and the preservation of dark skies.

The approval of Eärendil-1 marks a significant step for Reflect Orbital, but it also raises questions about the future of space-based lighting. The company's test mission will be closely watched by both supporters and detractors. For now, the FCC has given the green light to a technology that could change how we think about nighttime illumination—and the night sky itself.