FCC approves Reflect Orbital's Eärendil-1 satellite, raising skyglow concerns
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved Reflect Orbital's Eärendil-1 satellite, designed to deploy a large mirror in orbit to reflect sunlight onto Earth at night. The company aims to extend usable hours for solar panels and provide light for emergency missions. However, the approval has sparked debate, with organisations like the American Astronomical Society (AAS) raising concerns about background skyglow and potential disruption to optical astronomy. The FCC's decision, while regulating radiofrequency interference and orbital debris, deemed visual impact outside its statutory authority, but imposed conditions requiring coordination with NASA and the National Science Foundation.
Key Points
- The FCC has approved Reflect Orbital's Eärendil-1 satellite, designed to reflect sunlight onto Earth at night.
- The satellite aims to extend usable hours for solar panels and provide light for emergency missions.
- Astronomical organisations, such as the AAS, have raised concerns about potential skyglow and disruption to optical astronomy.
- The FCC imposed conditions requiring coordination with scientific bodies despite not regulating the visual impact.
- Eärendil-1 will operate at an altitude of approximately 625 km with a high inclination of 88°.
Exam Facts
- The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved Eärendil-1 on July 9.
- Eärendil-1 will operate at an altitude of around 625 km.
- The satellite is named after a character in Tolkien's fantasy epic The Silmarillion.
- Reflect Orbital is the company launching the satellite.
Read it. Retain it. Recall it.
Get spaced-repetition flashcards, daily quizzes and offline access — free on Android.