FCC approves Reflect Orbital filing for mirror in space

The Federal Communications Commission approved Reflect Orbital's application on July 9, 2026, allowing the company to deploy and operate its Eärendil-1 demonstration satellite. The spacecraft will carry an approximately 18-by-18-meter reflective surface designed to redirect sunlight onto targeted areas on Earth at night. The authorization followed objections from astronomers and dark-sky organizations concerned about light pollution, interference with observations and safety.