Reflect Orbital's Proposed Satellite Constellation Threatens Global Night Sky with Artificial Daylight

A new startup, Reflect Orbital, seeks authorization to launch a massive constellation of up to 50,000 satellites by 2035, aiming to provide "sunlight-on-demand" services. This ambitious project involves reflecting focused beams of sunlight, approximately 5 kilometers in diameter, onto Earth's surface for illumination or solar energy. The company has submitted an application to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for a testing satellite, EARENDIL-1, which would produce light comparable to a full Moon.

Astronomers and dark sky advocates express significant concern that this technology could drastically increase light pollution, impacting ground-based astronomical observations worldwide. The proposed system could create sustained artificial dusk and dawn conditions, along with hours-long bursts of daytime brightness, potentially obscuring the night sky regardless of location or elevation. Rayleigh scattering from the incoming and reflected light beams is expected to generate an enormous skyglow over brightly illuminated areas, equivalent to 650 football stadiums.

The FCC has opened a public comment period until March 9, 2026, allowing individuals and organizations to voice their opinions on Reflect Orbital's proposal. DarkSky International has already issued an open letter opposing the initiative, urging public participation to prevent what they describe as intentional pollution of the night sky. The scientific community emphasizes the importance of preserving dark skies for understanding the universe, an endeavor already challenged by existing communication satellite constellations.