13/07/2026 19:30 - Tecnologia
On July 9, 2026, the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) took a historic step by authorizing the startup company Reflect Orbital to build, launch, and operate a mirror satellite in low Earth orbit. This project, as reported by WIRED and Vietnam.vn, promises to bring 'on-demand' sunlight to the dark zones of the planet.
The experimental satellite, named Eärendil-1 (a nod to Tolkien's universe), weighs 142 kilograms and features a foldable design. Once in space, it will deploy a giant reflector measuring 18 x 18 meters (324 square meters, roughly the size of a basketball court) made of aluminum-coated Mylar.
It is projected to be launched to an altitude between 600 and 650 kilometers in late 2026 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Its function will be to reflect sunlight back to Earth, creating an illuminated zone of approximately 5 to 6 kilometers in diameter on the planet's surface.
Ben Nowack, CEO of Reflect Orbital, indicated that this technology aims to ensure a continuous supply of light to large solar panel facilities, allowing them to produce energy even during the night. Additionally, it could be crucial for:
Eärendil-1 is just the first step. If the technical test proves viable, Reflect Orbital plans to have 50,000 mirror satellites in operation by the year 2035, creating a massive global reflecting system.
Despite its potential utility, the project has caused deep concern within the scientific community. During the regulatory process, the FCC received about 2,000 public comments questioning the initiative. Organizations such as the American Astronomical Society, DarkSky International, and the European Southern Observatory (ESO) warn about its negative impact.
Tony Tyson, a researcher at the University of California, Davis, and chief scientist of the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, expressed his skepticism: 'Imagine the sky full of moons.' The ESO went as far as calling this type of technology an 'existential threat' to optical astronomy, as it would drastically increase light pollution, making the observation of faint celestial objects difficult and altering the nocturnal ecosystems of sensitive wildlife.
Despite the objections, the FCC concluded that the application is solely for an experimental satellite and not a commercial constellation. The agency noted that evaluating the astronomical impact 'falls outside our review and authorization' for the time being. Any future large-scale deployment will require new regulatory approvals, leaving a window open for future scientific and regulatory debates.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
