A Second Sun from Space: The Project That is Infuriating Astronomers
A Second Sun from Space: The Project That is Infuriating Astronomers
The United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has authorized the launch of Eärendil-1, an experimental satellite developed by the startup Reflect Orbital with the goal of demonstrating the possibility of reflecting sunlight towards specific areas of the Earth during nighttime. We had already discussed this venture a few months ago. This project could open new applications in the energy sector and emergency management, but at the same time, it has sparked a heated debate within the scientific community.
The satellite, weighing approximately 142 kilograms, is expected to be launched by the end of the year into a low Earth orbit between 600 and 650 kilometers in altitude. Once it reaches its operational position, it will deploy a reflector made of a thin square film with a side of about 18 meters, designed to redirect sunlight toward predetermined areas on the Earth's surface for several minutes.
According to Reflect Orbital, this technology could be used to provide temporary lighting in contexts such as construction sites, search and rescue operations, or areas affected by natural disasters. The company also envisions applications in the energy sector, imagining constellations of satellites capable of extending the exposure of solar plants to sunlight even after sunset, thereby increasing their output.
"The authorization represents the first step to rigorously test the effectiveness of our technology and the safety measures we have developed," stated CEO Ben Nowack, emphasizing that the ultimate goal is to help reduce dependence on fossil fuels through new space solutions.
The prototype should be able to reflect a quantity of light comparable to that of a full moon over an area of about 23 square kilometers (approximately nine square miles) for about five minutes. However, this is just the beginning of a much more ambitious plan: Reflect Orbital has outlined a roadmap that envisions a constellation of 1,000 satellites by 2028 and up to 50,000 units by 2035.
These prospects have fueled criticism from the scientific community. During the authorization process, the FCC received nearly 1,900 public comments, mostly opposing the project. This is even a higher number than that received for SpaceX's proposal concerning a constellation of satellites intended to host orbital data centers.
Astronomers believe that such an extensive network of reflecting satellites could significantly compromise observations of the night sky. Tony Tyson, the chief scientist at the Vera C. Rubin Observatory and a professor at the University of California, Davis, called the project "even crazier" than the large telecommunications satellite constellations that already pose challenges for astronomy. According to Tyson, maintaining sufficiently precise control of the reflected light could prove extremely difficult, with the risk that it becomes spread over much larger areas than intended. "Imagine a sky full of moons," he stated.
The European Southern Observatory (ESO), which manages some of the leading astronomical observatories located in Chile, has also expressed strong concerns. According to the organization’s estimates, a complete constellation of 50,000 satellites would increase the brightness of the background sky by a factor of three to four, significantly reducing telescopes' ability to detect fainter astronomical objects. Betty Kioko, head of institutional affairs at the ESO, described the proposal as an "existential threat" to optical astronomy.
The company, on its website, expressed its readiness for dialogue: "Some fear that reflecting sunlight from orbit could interfere with astronomical observations or alter the night sky. Not only do we take these concerns seriously, but we also commit to promoting dialogue and collaboration; we are excited to listen and receive feedback and eager to improve our initial designs and future services."
In addition to astronomers' criticisms, biologists and environmental experts have voiced their concerns. Several researchers believe that artificially modifying lighting cycles could disrupt the circadian rhythms of humans and animals, interfere with the migrations of numerous species, and have effects on aquatic ecosystems, including phytoplankton, a critical organism for marine photosynthesis and climate balance.
In the authorization provision, the FCC clarified that possible consequences for astronomy and the environment fall outside its regulatory competence and do not constitute sufficient grounds for denying the license or imposing further operational limitations. The authority also highlighted Reflect Orbital's commitment to collaborate with NASA, the National Science Foundation, and the astronomical community to address the raised issues.
According to the FCC, permitting the experimentation of innovative space technologies serves the public interest as it promotes innovation, the emergence of new services, and economic growth. The authorization also came the day after a formal request was made by scientific and environmental organizations for a thorough environmental assessment on future satellite constellations intended for similar projects.