[ASA] Public comment on new Reflect Orbital and SpaceX satellite applications open now
Carol Redford | Astrotourism WA
carol at astrotourismwa.com.au
Mon Feb 16 12:56:23 AEDT 2026
Hello ASA members,
Two satellite proposals of unprecedented scale and consequence are
currently before the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the
United States.
SpaceX's application is to launch up to one million satellites as part
of an expansion of its artificial intelligence infrastructure. Reflect
Orbital's application is to deploy satellites fitted with in-space
mirrors to beam reflected sunlight back to Earth at night.
I'm an advocate with DarkSky International and, if you wish to submit a
comment to the FCC, they have set out more information, templates and a
step-by-step guide in the email below or this link:
https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/lnBbCq71mwfkQ1yE6cZfnIEIQXC?domain=darksky.org
Please note that DarkSky International's position does not oppose
satellite technology. They recognise its role in today's world, but
oppose unchecked expansion without responsible oversight and full
environmental review when technologies pose a real threat to the global
nighttime environment.
---
Kind regards, Carol
Founder | CEO
0427 554 035
Find spectacular dark sky locations in WA's Astrotourism Towns [1]!
-------- Original Message --------
SUBJECT:
Now open: FCC public comment on Reflect Orbital's proposal
DATE:
2026-02-13 00:05
FROM:
"Ruskin Hartley" <Contact at darksky.org>
TO:
"Carol Redford" <stars at astrotourismwa.com.au>
REPLY-TO:
Contact at darksky.org
The FCC comment period on this proposal is now open, and this is a
moment when your voice can truly make a difference.
[2]
https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/W_r6Cr81nytnqrRk3Hzh2I4cDvk?domain=darksky.org [3]
The FCC is currently reviewing two satellite proposals of unprecedented
scale and consequence that, if approved, would alter the night sky as we
know it.
The first is Reflect Orbital's proposal to deploy satellites equipped
with in-space mirrors that would beam reflected sunlight back to Earth
at night. DarkSky has been closely following this project and has
prepared an open letter opposing it in its current form, urging that it
not advance without a thorough environmental review.
The second proposal is one I could hardly believe when I first read it.
SpaceX has asked the FCC for permission to launch as many as one million
satellites--envisioned as orbital data centers--to support its AI
ambitions. If approved, this would increase the number of active
satellites in low Earth orbit by nearly 70 times.
Both are open for public comment, which is why I'm reaching out
directly--to inform you and ask you to join us in our opposition.
The time to act is now.
Learn how to file a comment with the FCC [4]
Let me be clear: DarkSky does not oppose satellite technology. We
recognize its role in today's world, but we oppose unchecked expansion
without responsible oversight and full environmental review when
technologies pose a real threat to the global nighttime environment.
We encourage our community to submit a personalized comment to the
FCC--one of the most effective actions you can take. We've made the
process simple, with clear steps and sample language to guide you [5].
Thank you for continued your support as we stand together for the night.
With gratitude,
Ruskin Hartley
CEO & Executive Director
DarkSky International
STEP-BY-STEP: HOW TO SUBMIT A PUBLIC COMMENT TO THE FCC
You can submit comments on one or both proposals by following the steps
below. The process is the same for each application; the key difference
is the file number you select.
Step 1: Create an FCC CORES account
Go to https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/jxY_Cvl1rKiL9EnY0SziJIQNwNz?domain=apps.fcc.gov [6] and click Register to
create a free account using your email address. Complete the
verification email to activate your account.
Step 2: Log in to the FCC filing system (ICFS)
Visit https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/7RO7CwV1vMfVjvEqZHKsqIJNd69?domain=fccprod.servicenowservices.com [7] and log in using
your CORES username and password.
Step 3: Find the application
Enter the application's file number in the search box and open the
application page.
Reflect Orbital proposal: SAT-LOA-20250701-00129
SpaceX proposal: SAT-LOA-20260108-00016
Step 4: Prepare your comment
Write your comment, clearly stating your position. Include your name and
contact information, and save the document as a PDF. We've provided
templates and sample language to help you get started:
Reflect Orbital proposal comment template [8]
SpaceX proposal comment template [9]
Step 5: Upload your comment (important selections)
From the application page, select Pleadings and Comments from the top
banner. This may prompt you to log in again using the same credentials.
Once logged in, complete the submission form as follows:
_Select No for the Committee filing question_
_Choose Comment as the pleading type_
_Leave the FRN field blank and enter Responding as an Individual for
Company_
_Enter your contact information (anonymous comments are not allowed)_
_Enter and select the correct file number_
_Select No for confidential treatment_
Attach your PDF and label it Public Comment on File No. [file number]
Step 6: Submit and confirm
Click Submit, confirm the success message, and save your receipt for
your records.
DarkSky International protects and preserves dark skies and the
nighttime environment through proven policy and conservation programs.
Your support makes this work possible.
Give today [10]
[11]
[12]
[13]
[14]
[15]
DarkSky International
5049 East Broadway Blvd
#105
Tucson, AZ 85711
United States
Links:
------
[1] https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/b3D_CxngwOfRlL57qtRtmIyWKdB?domain=astrotourismwa.com.au
[2]
https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/SvtNCyojxQT217P8mfAuxIxCyyQ?domain=click.everyaction.com
[3]
https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/ZDhDCzvkyVCw1GYkNTBCXI9H5UR?domain=click.everyaction.com
[4]
https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/oNIPCANpgjClQZKwJuOFRIGL9xO?domain=click.everyaction.com
[5]
https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/QWMVCBNqjlCRGDXwJt7HKI2EPjn?domain=click.everyaction.com
[6]
https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/TwWPCD1vlpTJ9oLErInI8IjFB2R?domain=click.everyaction.com
[7]
https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/gUnnCE8wmrt07l8vosKSQI7xH_l?domain=click.everyaction.com
[8]
https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/e6X6CGv0oyCO7BNDZTBTJIBPLBY?domain=click.everyaction.com
[9]
https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/AYGlCJyBrGfAJBW6LF8UvIyWt0U?domain=click.everyaction.com
[10]
https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/OR_ACK1DvKTMoDyXxhXcRI5FkmO?domain=click.everyaction.com
[11]
https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/-wgZCL7EwMfwWkDGMTxf7Iyo_7c?domain=click.everyaction.com
[12]
https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/BjSLCMwGxOtkr2ywVc7h6I8LPdi?domain=click.everyaction.com
[13]
https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/eyKACNLJyQUPWZqO5fPiwIym2v4?domain=click.everyaction.com
[14]
https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/IXMbCOMKzVTZ8NL7rslsQIGuQCw?domain=click.everyaction.com
[15]
https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/OhILCP7LAXfNw01jAIptJIxrHBm?domain=click.everyaction.com
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://mailman.sydney.edu.au/pipermail/asa/attachments/20260216/8b311306/attachment.htm>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: eda96020.jpeg
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 57746 bytes
Desc: not available
URL: <http://mailman.sydney.edu.au/pipermail/asa/attachments/20260216/8b311306/attachment.jpeg>
More information about the ASA
mailing list