NEWS: The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) granted a two-year operating licence to Reflect Orbital for its Eärendil-1 mission.

ABOUT

• Eärendil-1 is a proof-of-concept satellite designed to test orbital sunlight reflection
• Developed by Reflect Orbital, a California-based space-tech startup.
• Named after Eärendil, a legendary mariner from J.R.R. Tolkien's The Silmarillion.

OBJECTIVE

• Redirect sunlight to selected locations after sunset.
• Extend solar power generation.
• Provide emergency illumination during disasters and rescue operations.

KEY FEATURES

• Deployable thin-film reflector (space mirror) that unfolds after launch.
• Motorized gimbaling system for precise redirection of sunlight.
• Operates in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at an altitude of ~625 km.
• 88° orbital inclination provides near-polar coverage.

SIGNIFICANCE

• Increases the efficiency of solar farms.
• Reduces dependence on battery storage.
• Supports disaster response with temporary illumination.