New Delhi: With an aim to replace streetlamps and reduce electricity costs in urban areas of the country, China is planning to launch ‘Artificial Moon’ by 2020. According to China Daily, ‘Illumination satellites’ are being developed in Chengdu, a city in southwestern Sichuan province.
These satellites will be placed one in front of the other. They will shine from the light of the real Moon. Furthermore, the light of the artificial moon will be eight times brighter.
Wu Chunfeng, head of Tian Fu New Area Science Society which is helming the ambitious project said, “The first man-made moon will launch from Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan, with three more to follow in 2022 if the first test goes well. Though the first launch will be experimental, the 2022 satellites will be the real deal with great civic and commercial potential.”
Interestingly, the man-made moons could replace streetlamps in urban areas in Chengdu, which would save an estimated 1.2 billion yuan ($170 million) in electricity costsanually for the city. Besides, the light from the ‘artificial moon’ will also be helpful in disaster zones during blackouts and calamities.
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Ms Kalinga