WASHINGTON — A satellite is about to catch the morning light and flash it back down, and the Federal Communications Commission has already given it the green light. SpaceMirror Inc. received a license from the FCC in late 2023 to operate a reflective space mirror, one of the first such commercial satellites to win approval. The FCC’s satellite licensing authority covers commercial space activities, and the agency has licensed thousands of communications satellites over the years.
This one is different. The approval process included a review of the satellite’s technical specifications, its orbital debris mitigation plan, and compliance with international telecommunications regulations.
The license is valid for 15 years, with a requirement that the satellite be deorbited within 25 years after its mission ends. But the decision has stirred debate. Critics argue the FCC lacks the expertise to evaluate the environmental and scientific impacts of such novel technologies.
Astronomers, in particular, have raised concerns about light pollution from reflective objects in orbit, which can interfere with ground-based telescopes and scientific observations. The controversy has prompted calls for NASA or the National Science Foundation to have a formal role in reviewing satellite brightness before licenses are granted.
The FCC has stated that it will consider further rulemaking on satellite brightness, though no timeline has been announced.
Behind the license
The FCC’s satellite licensing process is designed primarily for communications satellites, which transmit signals for television, internet, and phone services. The agency reviews factors such as radio frequency interference and orbital safety. A reflective mirror, however, does not transmit signals — it simply reflects sunlight, raising questions about whether the current regulatory framework is the right fit.
SpaceMirror’s satellite passed the existing requirements, but the lack of a formal review process for brightness has left some scientists uneasy. The company has not disclosed specific details about the mirror’s size or reflectivity, but the principle is straightforward: a reflective surface in orbit can catch sunlight and redirect it toward Earth, creating a visible flash.
What comes next
The FCC has acknowledged the need to address satellite brightness more broadly. The agency said it will consider further rulemaking on the issue, but no timeline has been set. For now, the SpaceMirror satellite remains licensed and operational under the conditions set in 2023.
The broader conversation about who should evaluate the environmental and scientific effects of novel space technologies is likely to continue. Whether NASA, the NSF, or another agency will gain a formal role in such reviews remains an open question.
The FCC has not indicated any immediate changes to its process. For now, the mirror is in orbit, and the debate over who should decide what shines in the night sky is only getting brighter.
