Eärendil-0: Testing the Foundations First

Reflect Orbital disclosed that it filed an FCC application on October 30 for a developmental spacecraft called Eärendil-0, with launch planned no earlier than April 2027. Unlike Eärendil-1, the spacecraft will carry no orbital reflector and will instead test spacecraft control, communications and operational capabilities. The company said this additional demonstration will help validate spacecraft systems and safeguards before deploying sunlight-reflection technology.