U.S. Regulators Approve Night-Illuminating Satellite: Key Details on the Eärendil-1 Project.

Reflect Orbital’s Eärendil-1 Satellite

According to ITC.ua — Техно: The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has given the green light to startup Reflect Orbital for launching its Eärendil-1 satellite. This spacecraft is designed to redirect sunlight back to Earth during nighttime hours. The company aims to deploy up to 50,000 such satellites by 2035. For context, this approval marks a significant regulatory milestone for a project that could reshape how solar energy is utilized after dark.

Reflect Orbital submitted its launch application in July 2025. The Eärendil-1 will orbit at an altitude of roughly 625 kilometers above Earth. Its aluminum reflector measures 18 by 18 meters, giving it a surface area of 324 square meters. The satellite will be capable of directing a solar beam onto areas approximately 5 kilometers wide.

Reflect Orbital’s Ambitious Roadmap

The company has laid out bold plans to place thousands of satellites into orbit by the end of the decade. The first two demonstration units will be carried to space aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. If realized, this initiative could transform the energy landscape by providing illumination and power during nighttime hours using captured sunlight. It also holds potential for regions with limited access to conventional energy grids.

The Eärendil-1 launch represents a critical step forward in harnessing solar energy through novel technology. Success could shift how energy is supplied in areas where traditional sources are scarce. Moreover, scaling up to 50,000 satellites may open new pathways for cutting carbon emissions and advancing cleaner energy systems.

“We will be watching the next phases of this ambitious project closely.”