FCC Approves Orbital Mirror Without Clear Authority Over Light Pollution

The FCC granted Reflect Orbital a license to operate Earendil-1, a satellite that redirects sunlight to Earth. The approval cited spectrum authority only, declining to weigh light pollution and safety concerns. No federal agency has explicit jurisdiction over orbital reflectivity. Astronomers warned the bright satellite threatens ground-based research and poses eye damage risk. The gap leaves health, environmental, and scientific impacts unaddressed by any regulator.