US approves Earendil-1 space mirror satellite to beam sunlight to Earth at night — scientists alarmed

US authorities have approved Reflect Orbital's Earendil-1 satellite, designed to reflect sunlight onto Earth's dark side and illuminate areas of roughly 5 km in diameter. The company plans to deploy over 50,000 such mirrors in low Earth orbit by 2035 to support agriculture and emergency services. Scientists and conservationists warn the artificial night-time flashes threaten astronomy, ecosystems, and could be fatally dangerous to pilots and drivers.

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🔬 Science FCC Approves Test Launch of Eärendil-1 Space Reflector Satellite Universe Today · 10d ago 🔬 Science FCC approves Reflect Orbital's space mirror despite astronomer outcry Space.com · 9h ago 🔬 Science World's blackest paint could shield astronomers from satellite glare ScienceAlert · 15d ago

More on this topic

🔬 Science FCC Approves Test Launch of Eärendil-1 Space Reflector Satellite Universe Today · 10d ago 🔬 Science FCC approves Reflect Orbital's space mirror despite astronomer outcry Space.com · 9h ago 🔬 Science World's blackest paint could shield astronomers from satellite glare ScienceAlert · 15d ago