In very disappointing news, the United States Federal Communications Commission has approved Reflect Orbital’s first satellite, designed to reflect sunlight onto Earth after dark for paying customers.

The satellite, dubbed Earendil-1, will unfold a 60-foot mirror 400 miles above Earth and direct sunlight onto a 3-mile-wide area. The company’s roadmap outlines a plan for 50,000+ of their satellites to be placed in low earth orbit by 2035, with a fleet of mirrors effectively surrounding the planet.

This approval comes despite strong opposition from astronomers and environmental groups based on the negative impact this high level of light pollution can have on humans, wildlife, astronomy and scientific research itself. Reflect Orbital said it plans on launching the Earendil-1 later this year.

Read more about this project at PCMag: bit.ly/4vIr5K9
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