What Happened
Eärendil-1 Tests Limits Of Space Regulation And Light Pollution
The US Federal Communications Commission has approved Reflect Orbital’s Eärendil-1 satellite, a demonstration spacecraft designed to reflect sunlight onto selected locations on Earth after sunset. The approval has sparked a debate about the impact of space-based reflectors on astronomy and the night sky, with astronomers raising concerns about light pollution. Reflect Orbital argues that the technology could extend the operating hours of solar farms and improve the utilization of existing renewable energy infrastructure. The decision was reported by Unknown Source.