Startup Reflect Orbital Receives Approval to Test Satellite That Could “Turn on the Sun” at Night

US startup Reflect Orbital has moved closer to realizing one of the most unusual space concepts of recent years. The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has granted the company permission to conduct a test launch of the Eärendil-1 satellite, equipped with an 18-metre reflective mirror. If the tests are successful, the company will be able to direct sunlight to any point on Earth even after sunset.

According to the developers’ concept, the satellite does not create its own illumination but operates as a giant mirror. In orbit, it reflects the Sun’s rays onto a predetermined area on the planet’s surface. Clients will literally be able to «order the sun» for several minutes at the required location and time.

Reflect Orbital claims that the technology could be used wherever every minute of light matters. Possible scenarios include search-and-rescue operations, disaster response, nighttime construction work, and extending the operation of solar power plants after sunset. According to the company’s estimates, several additional minutes of natural light could increase energy generation without the need to build new infrastructure.

However, the idea has already drawn sharp criticism from the scientific community, even before testing begins.

Astronomers warn that the emergence of such satellites could seriously complicate observations of space. Today, thousands of spacecraft in low Earth orbit, including communications satellites, already leave bright trails in telescope images. The launch of specialized reflective satellites could further increase light pollution in the sky and reduce the quality of scientific observations. Some experts describe projects of this kind as an «existential threat» to optical astronomy.

Biologists have expressed no fewer concerns. Artificial light at night can disrupt the natural circadian rhythms of humans and animals, affect sleep and the behaviour of insects, birds and marine animals, and interfere with the migration routes of species that navigate using natural light.

Reflect Orbital responds that the system is not intended to provide permanent illumination, but rather short sessions lasting only a few minutes. The company also promises to coordinate the system’s operation with clients in advance and comply with restrictions related to airspace safety and astronomical observations.

The project is still at an early stage. The first Eärendil-1 satellite is intended solely to demonstrate the technology. If the tests are successful, the company plans to deploy a large-scale orbital constellation. According to Reflect Orbital’s long-term plans, up to 50,000 reflective satellites could be operating in orbit by 2035.

Despite the ambition of the idea, many experts doubt that such a large-scale system could operate without serious environmental and scientific consequences. In the coming years, the results of the first tests will show whether an «artificial sun by subscription» becomes a new tool for industry and rescue services or remains a controversial concept that faces strict international restrictions.