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By 2020, the Tian Fu Area Science News Corporation plans to launch an artificial moon to illuminate the night sky. If the project succeeds, the so-called "lighting satellite" will gravitate around the Chinese city of Chengdu and shine at the same time as the moon, but will shine eight times more. The organization announced that it would launch three more satellites in 2022, potentially replacing streetlights in urban areas. The plans were announced by Wu Chunfeng, head of the company, at a conference on innovation in Chengdu on Oct. 10.
Chunfeng told China Daily that the satellite, launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, would orbit about 300 kilometers above the city and use its mirror-like coating to reflect the sunlight on the Earth.
Despite the bright light in the same way, the satellite has an advantage that the moon does not have – human control. Chunfeng said that it is possible to change the location and brightness of the moon created by the man, and that it can be completely closed if necessary. And as the satellite is mobile, it can help disaster relief by shining a light on areas where electricity is cut off.
Cost reduction
The lunar project aims to reduce the cost of lampposts in busy Chinese cities. By illuminating only 31 square miles (50 square kilometers) of Chengdu's night sky, the mini-moon could save the city about 1.2 billion yuan ($ 174 million) each year.
The following three moons will do the same, however. to be able to cover a lot more ground. The trio will relocate, depending on the person facing the sun, throwing light into the streets of the city. By working together, they will be able to light from 3,600 to 6,400 square kilometers for a maximum of 2,000 hours.
Potential Pitfalls
Projects of this magnitude will inevitably provoke some apprehension, and mini-moons are no exception.
In the 1990s, the Russian Federal Space Agency tried unsuccessfully to launch similarly thought-out orbiters. After one of their satellites failed during the deployment, they eventually abandoned the project.
Chunfeng also said that people were worried about the impact of moons on the sleeping habits of humans and animals, but the group thinks
"We will only test in an uninhabited desert, so that our light beams do not interfere with any person or Earth-based space observation equipment, "Chunfeng told China Daily. "When the satellite is operational, people will see only a bright star above, not a giant moon, as one might imagine."
Aside from fears, the mission could launch a new wave of using space energy if it succeeded. And if not, we'll have at least a few extra moons to watch.
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