What Happened
US Regulatory Gaps Enable Global Light Pollution Crisis
Private companies, such as Reflect Orbital and SpaceX, are pushing forward with massive satellite projects that could drastically alter the night sky, despite international concerns over light pollution. The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved Reflect Orbital’s test flight for a space mirror, sparking outcry among astronomers and environmentalists. The FCC’s decision may set a precedent for future projects, including constellations of orbiting data centers and internet-beaming satellites, which could have devastating effects on the environment and astronomy. This development was reported by Space.com.