Eärendil-1 is slated for low-Earth orbit later this year after U.S. approval, with the first mirror expected to cast light roughly equal to a full moon.
Reflect Orbital says the system would bounce sunlight onto nighttime locations on demand for disaster response, search-and-rescue, solar farms, overnight construction and agriculture.
A larger network could eventually deliver illumination closer to high noon, and the company hopes to build a fleet of more than 50,000 mirror satellites by 2035.
Astronomers, dark-sky advocates and wildlife experts warn the mirrors could disrupt observations, distract pilots, interfere with human circadian rhythms, and alter plant blooming and animal migration.
Why does the FCC's 'public interest' duty apply to radio waves but not to giant mirrors that can alter the night sky?
Is one startup’s test worth risking a cascade of orbital collisions that could render space unusable for generations?
Could lighting disaster zones from space cost us our view of the universe and disrupt the natural world forever?
Space Mirrors in Orbit: The Earendil-1 Satellite, FCC Approval, and the Global Debate Over Light Pollution and Environmental Impact
Overview
In March 2026, the FCC approved Reflect Orbital's Earendil-1 prototype satellite, marking a major step toward space-based illumination. This decision followed strong global interest and many requests for help, such as aiding search-and-rescue after a Venezuelan earthquake. Reflect Orbital developed its technology to meet these needs, aiming for Earendil-1 to lead a system that delivers targeted light and energy from orbit. The satellite’s focused beam is designed to turn away after lighting its target, showing the company’s intent to provide precise, responsible illumination while addressing real-world demands.