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By 2020, the Tian Fu Space Science Society 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 said China Daily that the satellite, launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, will gravitate around 500 km above the city and will use its mirror-like coating to reflect sunlight on Earth.
Despite the 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.
Lower the costs
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 three follow-up moons can, however, cover much 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 size are likely to be somewhat apprehensive, and mini-moons are no exception.
In the 1990s, the Russian Federal Space Agency tried unsuccessfully to launch similar think-tank orbiters. After one of their satellites failed during the deployment, they ended up scrapping the project.
Chunfeng also said that people were concerned about the impact of moons on the sleeping habits of humans and animals, but that it was clear that the group thought the burden would be minimal.
"We will perform our tests only in an uninhabited desert, so that our light beams do not interfere with anybody or with any Earth-based space observation equipment," Chunfeng told China Daily. . "When the satellite goes into service, people will only see a bright star above, not a giant moon, as we imagine."
The mission could be pioneering 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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