Astronomers are deeply worried that a planned array of 50,000 mirror-bearing satellites in orbit will severely compromise telescopes.

Approval of test satellite that reflects sunlight to Earth, promises extra solar energy but raises concerns about safety, environmental impact, and disruption of natural rhythms

The FCC authorized Reflect Orbital to launch the mirror satellite Eärendil-1. “For optical astronomy, this poses an existential threat,” the European Southern Observatory said.

The FCC authorized Reflect Orbital to launch the mirror satellite Eärendil-1. “For optical astronomy, this poses an existential threat,” the European Southern Observatory said.

Eärendil-1 could be the first of a 50,000 satellite constellation, despite concerns about light pollution.

Astronomers worry that Reflect Orbital's plans to direct sunlight into darkness will put night skies at risk.

Astronomers are deeply worried that a planned array of 50,000 mirror-bearing satellites in orbit will severely compromise telescopes.

Das Startup Reflect Orbital will Tausende von Satelliten ins All bringen und damit Sonnenlicht auf die Schattenseite der Erde lenken. Dann könnten Solarpanels rund um die Uhr…