In 2026, the FCC authorized radio operations for Reflect Orbital’s first 18-metre space mirror, a single demonstration for a proposed 50,000-satellite system that one astronomy model says could raise the natural night-sky background by 200% to 300%

The Federal Communications Commission has authorized radio operations for Eärendil-1, a demonstration satellite built around a reflector measuring roughly 18 metres by 18 metres. If it reaches orbit and unfolds successfully, the spacecraft will redirect a moving patch of sunlight onto the dark side of Earth. The distinction between this satellite and the system behind [...] The post In 2026, the FCC authorized radio operations for Reflect Orbital’s first 18-metre space mirror, a single demonstration for a proposed 50,000-satellite system that one astronomy model says could raise the natural night-sky background by 200% to 300% appeared first on Space Daily .