Sky

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission can single-handedly approve massive spaceflight projects that could fundamentally change how the night sky looks for everyone on Earth. Despite growing public outcry over satellite constellations and their visual impact, space law experts say there are few other legal avenues to challenge these approvals, leaving the FCC with largely unchecked authority over the issue.

Reflect Orbital has drawn strong criticism from astronomers after stating plans to launch tens of thousands of sunlight-reflecting mirrors into orbit by 2035, with FCC approval processes under scrutiny. Luca Benvenuti called the plan 'catastrophic for astronomy, that is clear,' as scientists warn the mirrors would brighten night skies and disrupt telescopic observations.

New measurements show satellites in AST SpaceMobile's constellation average about seven times the brightness of mitigation targets cited in the company's FCC filings, with peaks more than 200 times brighter than the International Astronomical Union's recommended limit for night-sky interference. Astronomers, including astronomer John Barentine, warn the brightness threatens ground-based observations as AST SpaceMobile prepares further deployments.