Groups Challenge FCC Approval of Startup’s Plan to Beam On-Demand Sunlight from Space

Four environmental organizations have petitioned the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to reconsider its approval of a startup’s plan to beam on-demand sunlight from space. The coalition argues that the agency failed to adequately assess the project’s potential impacts on wildlife, astronomy research, and eye safety.

The FCC’s decision to authorize Reflect Orbital’s Earendil-1 demonstration satellite was driven by the promise of revolutionary new technology that could provide customers with sunlight whenever they need it, without being limited by time or geography. However, this innovative solution comes with its own set of problems. The 59-foot-wide mirror on board the Earendil-1 is designed to focus a roughly 3.1-mile-wide beam of light onto the ground from an altitude of around 400 miles.

Concentrating sunlight into such a small, intensely bright point in the night sky could create glare that poses safety risks for pilots, drivers, and others. Optical engineer Eric Bretschneider notes that people may instinctively look toward what appears to be an unfamiliar spotlight in the night sky rather than recognize it as reflected sunlight. This can result in permanent eye damage.

Astronomers are also at risk of being affected by this technology. Associate professor of astronomy Samantha Lawler explained that Reflect Orbital’s satellite would affect not just one observatory, but astronomical research worldwide. Because it would be visible around much of the world during every orbit, astronomers would have to account for it when planning observations.

The petition raises concerns about the potential disruption of wildlife behavior due to artificial nighttime illumination. DarkSky International executive director and CEO Ruskin Hartley noted that “Every animal that has been studied at night, if you introduce artificial light into their environment, there is an impact from bats to birds.”

This case highlights a broader issue – the need for more rigorous regulatory oversight in the space industry. The FCC’s decision to approve Earendil-1 without fully evaluating its potential environmental impacts sets a concerning precedent. Earthjustice attorney Jan Hasselman pointed out that “It is the Wild West in space right now, and corporations like Reflect Orbital are rushing to fill the gap.”

The coalition’s petition asks the full commission to reverse the Space Bureau’s decision and require the agency to evaluate the project’s environmental impacts before allowing it to move forward. This is a necessary step towards ensuring that regulatory agencies take their responsibilities under the law seriously.

As we continue to push the boundaries of space exploration, it’s essential that we do so responsibly. The FCC must conduct a thorough review of the Earendil-1 project and consider the coalition’s concerns before allowing it to proceed.