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At close · Fri, Jul 31, 2026
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HomeCommoditiesEnergy TransitionReflect Orbital gets FCC nod to test solar-power satel…

Reflect Orbital gets FCC nod to test solar-power satellite mirror

The California startup plans to launch the Eärendil-1 demo satellite into low Earth orbit before year end, after raising a $20 million Series A in May 2025.

OilPrice reports that Reflect Orbital, a California-based startup, has received permission from the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to test a controversial satellite fitted with an 18-metre-wide mirror.

The FCC said the project could deliver potentially groundbreaking technology that advances American leadership in space, according to the article.

Reflect Orbital plans to launch its Eärendil-1 demo satellite into low Earth orbit before the end of the year, after raising $20 million in a May 2025 Series A to accelerate development.

Once in orbit, the satellite will deploy a thin-film reflector designed to redirect sunlight onto areas between 5 km and 6 km wide on demand, with adjustable brightness, the outlet added.

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