The US Federal Communications Commission has authorized a company to launch an experimental satellite designed to reflect sunlight onto Earth during nighttime hours. The approval came on July 9 for Reflect Orbital's Eärendil-1 spacecraft in low Earth orbit.
The satellite would direct reflected sunlight to specific locations on the ground after dark. Reflect Orbital received permission to build, launch, and operate the device as part of its testing program.
Astronomers have raised concerns about the project. The European Southern Observatory stated that for optical astronomy this poses an existential threat.
The decision follows ongoing criticism from both astronomers and environmental advocates who have opposed the concept for some time.