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DarkSky International opposes Reflect Orbital’s proposed orbital illumination system
https://darksky.org/news/organizational-statement-reflect-orbital/
FCC approves Reflect Orbital demonstration satellite
Despite more than 12,200 signatures from over 100 countries and 1,800 formal public comments opposing the proposal, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved Reflect Orbital’s application to launch its Earendil-1 demonstration satellite.
The FCC concluded that it lacks the authority to evaluate the environmental impacts of an orbital solar reflector, limiting its review to radiofrequency spectrum. This leaves critical concerns—including impacts on wildlife, astronomy, public safety, and the nighttime environment—largely unaddressed and highlights a significant gap in how emerging space technologies are regulated.
https://darksky.org/news/organizational-statement-reflect-orbital/
FCC approves Reflect Orbital demonstration satellite
Despite more than 12,200 signatures from over 100 countries and 1,800 formal public comments opposing the proposal, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved Reflect Orbital’s application to launch its Earendil-1 demonstration satellite.
The FCC concluded that it lacks the authority to evaluate the environmental impacts of an orbital solar reflector, limiting its review to radiofrequency spectrum. This leaves critical concerns—including impacts on wildlife, astronomy, public safety, and the nighttime environment—largely unaddressed and highlights a significant gap in how emerging space technologies are regulated.
