government
FCC approves startup's space mirror to reflect sunlight to dark parts of Earth
By Ryan Mancini and The Hill at KTSM 9 News (NBC)
· July 14, 2026
· 1 min read
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved a startup business's request to build and launch a mirror satellite that would reflect sunlight back toward the dark parts of Earth.
Why this matters in The El Paso
The FCC's approval of a space mirror to reflect sunlight to dark parts of Earth raises questions about the potential impact on El Paso 's own energy landscape. As a city with an abundance of sunlight, El Paso could potentially benefit from innovative technologies that harness and distribute solar energy. The startup's proposal may spark interest among local entrepreneurs and researchers, who could explore ways to integrate similar technologies into the city's renewable energy initiatives. Furthermore, the University of Texas at El Paso's engineering and physics departments may see opportunities for collaboration or research grants related to the development and implementation of space-based solar reflection systems. As the project moves forward, El Pasoans will be watching to see if this technology can help address energy needs in the region, particularly in areas with limited access to traditional power sources.
About this story
Original reporting by KTSM 9 News (NBC) . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KTSM 9 News (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: government ·
Published: July 14, 2026 ·
Source: KTSM 9 News (NBC) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved a startup business's request to build and launch a mirror satellite that would reflect sunlight back toward the dark parts of Earth.
When was this published? This article was first published on July 14, 2026 by KTSM 9 News (NBC) and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Ryan Mancini and The Hill at KTSM 9 News (NBC). To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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