The Dark Side of Sunlight on Demand

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission’s recent approval of a giant space mirror to deliver “sunlight on demand” has sparked controversy among astronomers and environmentalists. At the heart of this debate is not just light pollution, but who gets to control the night sky.

Reflect Orbital, the company behind the proposal, envisions a future where anyone can pay for a slice of reflected sunlight beamed down from orbit. Potential applications include agriculture, solar farms, and search and rescue operations. However, astronomers and scientists point out that this convenience comes with a steep price: irreparable damage to our planet’s dark and quiet skies.

The FCC has claimed that regulating the project is beyond their scope. However, the question remains: who regulates where, how, and when a giant five-kilometre swath of light can be used? The answer lies in international space law – specifically, the 1967 Outer Space Treaty signed by over 115 countries.

This treaty emphasizes the peaceful use of outer space but does not prohibit placing reflective objects in orbit. Instead, it requires due regard and consultation obligations owed to every other State. In essence, countries have the right to regulate these types of projects, but they have been hesitant to do so.

Experts note that individual countries can set their own regulations, but what is needed is a coordinated effort to address the environmental impact of space-based illumination services. Space law expert Cassandra Steer points out that countries like Canada could potentially ban the use of reflected sunlight services within their borders – although enforcement would be another matter altogether.

The irony is that while astronomers are sounding the alarm about light pollution, the real issue at play is geopolitics. As Ram Jakhu, professor emeritus at McGill University’s faculty of law, notes, “Astronomers are not a major player in geopolitics.” However, perhaps they should be – for it’s precisely this type of project that highlights the need for a more coordinated and responsible approach to space exploration.

The UNOOSA is working with international observatories on protecting dark and quiet skies. The Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) has been speaking with Reflect Orbital from the outset, but it’s clear that more needs to be done. Piero Benvenuti, director of the International Astronomical Union’s Centre for the Protection of Dark and Quiet Sky from Satellite Constellation Interference, notes that even with exclusion zones in place, the sheer number of telescopes – including amateur astronomer telescopes – would still pose a significant threat.

Reflect Orbital claims to have designed its spacecraft and operational plans in consultation with the astronomical community. However, Benvenuti questions whether they truly understood the scope of the issue: “They probably didn’t know that the number of telescopes…are huge and are dispersed everywhere in the world.”

The real question is this: can we afford to wait for regulations to catch up? With over 50 countries having their own national space legislation, it’s clear that individual efforts won’t be enough. The night sky is a global resource – one that requires a coordinated effort to protect.

As we gaze up at the stars, we’re reminded of our place in the universe. But with projects like Reflect Orbital pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in space, it’s becoming increasingly clear that our planet’s dark and quiet skies are under threat. It’s time for us to take responsibility for our actions – and to ensure that the night sky remains a resource available for all, not just those who can afford to buy their own slice of reflected sunlight.