Experimental Radio News 14

Reflect Orbital has filed an application for a reflective satellite that will – in the company's words – sell sunlight after dark. "Through the use of space-based reflectors, abundant sunlight can be intentionally directed to specific locations at specific times," the company told the FCC, "enabling Reflect Orbital to (1) augment energy projects by extending usable hours for solar cells to collect energy; and (2) provide an illumination solution for critical operations."

Instead of the Experimental Radio Service, where scientific satellites are typically licensed, the EARENDIL-1 – its "crucial testbed" – would use frequencies in the Space Operations and Space Research Services.

Some reports placed the eventual number of satellites at 4,000, but CEO Ben Nowack posted that this would be the first of 100,000 satellites the company intends to launch.

The venture attracted skepticism from scientific authorities. Dark Sky International warned, "Orbital illumination systems represent an unprecedented environmental intervention. ...These systems would introduce significant ecological, human health, safety, and astronomical risks at a global scale."