Source: The Hindu
Context
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) granted a two-year experimental operating license to California-based startup Reflect Orbital for its Eärendil-1 mission, which aims to demonstrate orbital sunlight reflection technology.
What is Eärendil-1?
- Eärendil-1 is an experimental technology demonstration satellite designed to test whether sunlight can be reflected from space to specific locations on Earth after sunset.
- It is essentially an orbital mirror capable of redirecting sunlight.
- Developed by: Reflect Orbital (California, USA)
- Named after: Eärendil, a legendary mariner from J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Silmarillion who carried a shining Silmaril across the sky.
Key Technical Features
Deployable Reflector
- Uses an ultra-light thin-film mirror folded during launch.
- Automatically unfolds once in orbit.
Precision Sunlight Reflection
- Equipped with motorized gimbals to precisely orient the mirror.
- Reflects sunlight toward designated locations on Earth.
Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
- Operates at approximately 625 km altitude.
About Reflect Orbital
- Headquarters: California, USA
- Type: Commercial aerospace startup
- Focus: Space-based energy and orbital reflection technologies.
About the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
- Country
- United States
- Established
- 1934
- Functions
- Regulates communications by radio, satellite, television, wire, and internet.
- Licenses satellite communications and commercial space radio operations.
