Environmental groups challenge FCC approval of startup’s plan to beam on-demand sunlight from space

The environmental organizations argue a test mission could pave the way for a much larger constellation of satellites in the future.

Four environmental organizations filed a petition Thursday asking the Federal Communications Commission to reverse its approval of a startup’s plan to beam on-demand sunlight from space to Earth, arguing the agency ignored the project’s potential impacts on wildlife, astronomy research and eye safety.

DarkSky International, Environment America, the American Bird Conservancy and Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility called on the FCC to overturn a decision last month authorizing Reflect Orbital to launch its Earendil-1 demonstration satellite, which will carry a 59-foot-wide mirror to reflect sunlight onto a specific spot on the planet during periods of darkness.

While the FCC approved only a single test mission, the groups argue it could pave the way for a much larger constellation of satellites in the future.

“It is the Wild West in space right now, and corporations like Reflect Orbital are rushing to fill the gap,” said Earthjustice attorney Jan Hasselman, who described the company’s proposal as “a uniquely bad idea.”

Reflect Orbital’s goal is to provide customers with sunlight whenever it’s needed, without being limited by time of day, geography or infrastructure on the ground.