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FCC Approves Reflect Orbital Prototype Despite Telescope-Glare Warnings

By Drooid · Oct 29, 2026 · How we work

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The U.S. Federal Communications Commission approved Reflect Orbital’s prototype mirror satellite for launch.
Astronomers warned the satellite’s beams could exceed full-Moon brightness and damage telescope eyes.
Environmental groups filed a petition urging the FCC to reconsider the approval.
Reflect Orbital signed launch contracts with Indian firm Skyroot Aerospace for 2026-2027 missions.
The FCC licence allows Earendil-1’s radio operations at roughly 625 km altitude but does not permit global illumination.

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The U.S. Federal Communications Commission approved Reflect Orbital’s prototype mirror satellite for launch.
Astronomers warned the satellite’s beams could exceed full-Moon brightness and damage telescope eyes.
Environmental groups filed a petition urging the FCC to reconsider the approval.
Reflect Orbital signed launch contracts with Indian firm Skyroot Aerospace for 2026-2027 missions.
The FCC licence allows Earendil-1’s radio operations at roughly 625 km altitude but does not permit global illumination.