SpaceX & Reflect Orbital Satellite Plans Face Criticism from Astronomers

Astronomical organizations are raising urgent concerns about plans from SpaceX and Reflect Orbital to launch hundreds of thousands of satellites into orbit. The proposals, which include a million satellites for a data center project and thousands of space mirrors intended to reflect sunlight to Earth, are being described as “unacceptable” and potentially “disastrous” for astronomical research and the natural night sky. The Royal Astronomical Society (RAS), the European Southern Observatory (ESO) and the International Astronomical Union are protesting the plans to the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which will decide on the applications.

How Reflect Orbital’s Mirrors Would Alter the Night Sky

Reflect Orbital’s proposal, submitted in the fall of 2025, aims to deploy hundreds of thousands of satellites into a 625 km low Earth orbit. These satellites would be designed to reflect sunlight onto solar farms, theoretically providing supplemental energy during dawn and dusk hours, aiming to reflect 20 percent of midday sun energy to Earth during those periods. The company plans for a constantly shifting constellation to illuminate limited areas briefly, necessitating a large number of satellites. Still, astronomers warn that the consequences for the night sky could be catastrophic. According to the RAS, the 50,000 planned mirrors would make the night sky three to four times brighter than it is currently.

SpaceX’s Orbital Data Center: A Million Satellites

SpaceX, meanwhile, has applied to the FCC to launch up to one million satellites for a massive data center project dubbed the “SpaceX Orbital Data Center System.” The project, intended to operate in altitudes between 500 and 2000 km, is described by SpaceX as “the first step on the path to a Type II civilization on the Kardashev Scale.” This refers to a hypothetical civilization capable of harnessing the total energy output of its star. The satellites would be equipped with large, deployable solar arrays, even larger than SpaceX’s Starship, the largest rocket ever built.

Impact on Astronomical Observation

The sheer number of satellites poses a significant threat to ground-based astronomy. The RAS estimates that thousands of SpaceX satellites would be visible to the naked eye – “far more than the number of visible stars.” Whereas these satellites would orbit at a higher altitude than the Starlink constellation, they would too be illuminated by the sun for longer periods. The ESO adds that the megaconstellation could cause 10 percent of data from each astronomical image taken with the Very Large Telescope (VLT) to be lost due to light trails.

Beyond Astronomy: Ecological and Human Impacts

The impact extends beyond professional astronomy. The brightening of the night sky threatens to disrupt nocturnal ecosystems, affecting wildlife behavior and migration patterns. The RAS points out that it would also diminish the public’s ability to enjoy the natural beauty of the night sky, stating, “That is unacceptable.” Dr. Robert Massey, Deputy Executive Director at the RAS, emphasized that the stars are “a valued part of human heritage” and that deploying millions of bright satellites would “utterly destroy this and permanently scar the natural landscape.”

The FCC’s Role and Ongoing Opposition

The fate of these proposals rests with the FCC. The RAS, ESO, and International Astronomical Union have all submitted formal comments opposing the plans, and are supporting submissions from other astronomical organizations. The organizations are urging the FCC to reject the proposals outright. The situation echoes earlier concerns raised about SpaceX’s Starlink constellation, which also presented challenges for astronomers, though on a smaller scale.

Mitigation Efforts and Remaining Uncertainties

While SpaceX has taken some steps to mitigate the impact of Starlink satellites – such as applying anti-reflective coatings – the scale of the proposed Orbital Data Center and Reflect Orbital’s mirror constellation presents a far greater challenge. The effectiveness of these mitigation strategies at such a massive scale remains uncertain. The long-term effects of increased light pollution on ecosystems and human health are not fully understood. The potential for satellite collisions and the creation of space debris also adds another layer of risk.

The outcome of the FCC’s review will have significant implications for the future of both space exploration and astronomical research. It highlights the growing tension between commercial interests in space and the preservation of the natural environment, both on Earth and in orbit. The decision will likely set a precedent for future satellite deployments and the regulation of space-based activities.