Eärendil-1: bright or blight?
The United States Federal Communications Commission authorised Reflect Orbital’s Eärendil-1 to test an orbital reflector for night-time illumination.
- The FCC authorised Reflect Orbital to launch and operate the Eärendil-1 test satellite under a two-year licence.
- Eärendil-1 is planned as a non-geostationary satellite at roughly 625 km altitude with a steerable thin-film reflector.
- Reflect Orbital says the mission is intended to direct reflected sunlight onto parts of Earth at night for solar and operational uses.
- Astronomical and research organisations raised concerns about skyglow and interference with optical astronomy observations.
What happened
The United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has authorised Reflect Orbital to launch and operate Eärendil-1, a test satellite intended to deploy a large mirror-like reflector in orbit. The satellite is planned for a non-geostationary orbit at roughly 625 km altitude and a high inclination, and the licence is limited to two years.
The reflector is described as a motorised, steerable thin-film surface. Reflect Orbital’s stated purpose is to direct reflected sunlight onto specific areas of Earth at night to extend the practical hours for solar panels and to provide illumination during critical operations, including emergency and humanitarian activities.
UPSC may connect Eärendil-1 to the governance of new space applications, the balance between innovation and externalities, and institutional jurisdiction over radiofrequency interference, orbital safety, and environmental or scientific impacts. The topic also tests whether a candidate can relate a novel technology to older orbital mirror experiments and to the wider debate on regulation of dual-use or controversial space activities.
