DarkSky International and Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility call for environmental review of orbital illumination systems
DarkSky International and Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) have released a joint letter to U.S. FCC Secretary Marlene Dortch calling for a formal environmental review of proposed orbital illumination systems that would reflect sunlight back to Earth at night. The filing urges the Federal Communications Commission to study the environmental impacts before approving the launch of prototype satellites.
The letter explains that reflecting sunlight onto Earth at night would introduce a new artificial light source into the nighttime environment. Such a change could affect wildlife, human health, astronomical observations, and the night sky as we know it. Because of these potential impacts, DarkSky and PEER say the technology should be carefully evaluated before any deployment moves forward.
The filing also includes a Photobiological Hazard Assessment of Orbital Solar Reflectors prepared by Dr. Eric Bretschneider, who earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Florida, where he worked on compound semiconductor structures for light-emitting applications. Dr. Bretschneider has more than 30 years of experience in the design, testing, reliability, and characterization of LED lighting products, as well as 20 years developing industry testing standards. He is widely recognized as an expert in the testing and measurement of light and lighting systems.
- Eye safety risks from concentrated light. Because the reflected light would appear as a very small but bright point in the sky, it could concentrate light onto a tiny area of the retina. At the intensity described in the proposal, this brightness could exceed that of some laser pointers at distance, raising concerns about potential visual injury if viewed directly.
- No warning for people in illuminated areas. People within the target zone may not receive advance notice before illumination begins, meaning anyone looking at the sky during an event could be exposed without preparation.
- Potential risks to pilots and aircraft. Bright, concentrated light in the sky could create glare or temporary visual impairment for pilots if it intersects with flight paths.
Together, these concerns highlight why a careful environmental and safety review is important before orbital illumination systems are allowed to move forward.
Current activation
Sign DarkSky’s open letters to Reflect Orbital and SpaceX
DarkSky International is urging the public to take action by signing two open letters calling for greater oversight and environmental review before these projects move forward.
- Reflect Orbital a constellation of satellites equipped with mirrors designed to reflect sunlight back to Earth at night, effectively creating “sunlight on demand.”
- SpaceX is seeking approval to launch up to one million satellites into low Earth orbit as part of a proposed network of orbital data centers supporting artificial intelligence infrastructure.
By signing these open letters, you can help urge both companies to pause these projects in their current form and commit to a full environmental review before any launches proceed.
