# FCC Approves Sun-Reflecting Satellite, Astronomers Are Concerned Reflect Orbital's giant mirror satellite aims to illuminate the night. - **Source:** [CNET](https://brifing.si/source/ce507de7-7f24-4ff4-ab6d-7635abcc095a) - **Published:** 2026-07-14 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/283356f8-20fd-4c0b-b5ea-1c3b3cb55ae3 ## Introduction Reflect Orbital is developing satellites with giant mirrors to illuminate the night. The FCC has approved the company's test satellite, Eärendil-1, which aims to reflect sunlight onto Earth to brighten the night. ## Technology Details Eärendil-1 carries an 18-square-meter thin-film mirror. This mirror can reflect sunlight onto a 3-mile area, turning night into day. The satellite is scheduled to launch in 2026 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9. ## Potential Benefits The company claims this technology could power solar panels at night, reducing fossil fuel usage. This could be a significant step in combating climate change. ## Scientific Concerns Astronomers and scientists warn that 50,000 satellites illuminating the night sky could have adverse effects on ecological and scientific research. Additionally, they could damage sensitive telescope equipment. ## Regulatory Gap Reflect Orbital acknowledges that there is no regulatory framework for space-based energy and lighting services. The company is open to collaborating with scientists. ## Conclusion The success of Eärendil-1 could pave the way for deploying 50,000 satellites in orbit. However, the environmental and scientific impacts of this technology must be carefully evaluated. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.cnet.com/science/space/the-fcc-just-approved-a-sun-reflecting-satellite-and-astronomers-already-hate-it/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._