The US Approves the Launch of a Mirror Satellite That Can Reflect Sunlight and Illuminate the Earth at Night

The FCC authorized Reflect Orbital to launch the mirror satellite Eärendil-1. The European Southern Observatory warned this could be an “existential threat” to optical astronomy, indicating potential adverse impacts on astronomy operations and related observational capabilities, though the financial market impact is likely limited.

Analysis

The FCC authorized Reflect Orbital to launch the mirror satellite Eärendil-1. The European Southern Observatory warned this could be an “existential threat” to optical astronomy, indicating potential adverse impacts on astronomy operations and related observational capabilities, though the financial market impact is likely limited.