The U.S. just approved a giant space mirror to test ‘sunlight on demand.’ Low Earth orbit is getting weird
The FCC has approved Reflect Orbital to test a satellite designed to reflect sunlight back to Earth for on-demand lighting. Critics and scientists warn that the project could disrupt circadian rhythms and interfere with astronomical observations.
Why it matters
This marks a significant regulatory shift in the commercialization of low Earth orbit, raising concerns about environmental and scientific impacts of space-based infrastructure.
Reflect Orbital’s plans to have more than 50,000 satellites reflecting sunlight back to earth could disrupt the circadian rhythms of plants, animals and humans. (Unsplash/Mariana Proença) The U.S. just approved a giant space mirror to test ‘sunlight on demand.’ Low Earth orbit is getting weird Published: July 10, 2026 7:25pm EDT https://theconversation.com/the-u-s-just-approved-a-giant-space-mirror-to-test-sunlight-on-demand-low-earth-orbit-is-getting-weird-283482 https://theconversation.com/the-u-s-just-approved-a-giant-space-mirror-to-test-sunlight-on-demand-low-earth-orbit-is-getting-weird-283482 Link copied Share article Share article
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A giant mirror to create “ sunlight on demand ” was just approved by the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) , despite opposition from astronomers and the public, and real safety concerns .
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