What Happened
First Regulatory Green Light for Sunlight On Demand Technology
The Federal Communications Commission has approved Reflect Orbital’s request to launch a space mirror satellite, marking the first regulatory green light for a company aiming to provide ‘sunlight on demand’ from space. The satellite, named Eärendil-1, will carry an 18-meter square mirror and weigh 142 kilograms, with plans to launch by the end of 2026 using SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. Reflect Orbital argues the technology could extend solar power generation and support emergency response operations. The approval was reported by various sources, including The Hill and SpaceNews, with further details on the company’s ambitions and the regulatory process.