Space Mirror Reflects Sunlight to Earth Gets Green Light for Launch

Reflect Orbital has received FCC clearance to launch the first space mirror designed to reflect sunlight onto Earth's surface at night. The California startup's Eärendil-1 satellite, equipped with a 60-foot reflective mirror, is set to orbit low Earth and redirect solar rays to targeted areas. The company plans a constellation of up to 50,000 mirrors, raising concerns among astronomers about increased light pollution. The FCC authorization marks a milestone for the controversial project, which aims to provide nighttime illumination for various uses.