"Artificial Moon" sounds way too pretentious for what it actually is, as moon is not only the source of light during nighttime. I bet there will be other usage for this project, orbital weapon placement comes to mind first.
Btw isn`t adding more streetlights less expensive than building a one-of-a-kind satellite? This project seems like a giant statement that China is capable of doing anything, but at this point it has very little practical use.
Topic: China Launching an Artificial Moon - page 2. (Read 576 times)
Nobody said anything about a synchronous orbit, or even a singular satellite. The plan actually involves a constellation of multiple satellites.
If the orbit is not synchronous, then the mirror will spend only a tiny fraction of its time lighting up the intended target, and the majority of its time lighting up other places or nothing at all. I can't imagine the other countries in its path are going to be too happy about that, especially if it turns out to have significant impacts on wildlife. I certainly wouldn't be too happy about a massive spotlight passing over my house every hour and half every night.
There are obviously ways round this such as using propulsion to angle the mirror(s) away when not in right place, or closing and opening the mirrors as needed, but the article doesn't mention any of that. More information is needed.
I mean, it's still a crazy idea, but not quite as crazy as one might expect for something conceived of by a Bond villain.
What about a giant magnifying glass instead of a mirror? They could aim it at people and burn them like ants or aim them at solar panels!
If there is such a weapon, I think it might be stupid because you only need a mirror to reflect its energy and destroy it with reflected light.
I mean, it's still a crazy idea, but not quite as crazy as one might expect for something conceived of by a Bond villain.
What about a giant magnifying glass instead of a mirror? They could aim it at people and burn them like ants or aim them at solar panels!
Firstly, there is no way you can have a geosynchronous orbit at 500km. At 500km above Earth's surface, as the article states, your orbital period is in the region of an hour and a half, meaning this satellite would orbit the Earth 15-16 times a day.
Nobody said anything about a synchronous orbit, or even a singular satellite. The plan actually involves a constellation of multiple satellites.Secondly, street lights at night already play havoc with the local wildlife. Sea turtle hatchlings for example - their instinct is to follow the brightest light to reach the sea, which used to be the moon reflecting off the water. Now many of them die because instead they wander towards the towns and cities. Something like this could have devastating effects on the ecosystem.
The problem with streetlights (indeed, most artificial lighting) is that their light is omnidirectional. Since these satellites are mirrors reflecting sunlight in a narrow beam, they won't be visible at all outside the intended area of illumination.I mean, it's still a crazy idea, but not quite as crazy as one might expect for something conceived of by a Bond villain.
This very well could be something other than its stated goal of lighting the sky in China. They say it will save ~$180 in annual lighting/electric costs, but what would they do when it is cloudy?
I speculate it’s true purpose is to either spy on their citizens or to interfere with other country’s spy satellites imaging China.
I speculate it’s true purpose is to either spy on their citizens or to interfere with other country’s spy satellites imaging China.
Launching moon to Light Up the Night Skies 
, Well China needs light because the population is exponentially expanding for them and if at night they have complete darkness then the traditional sex will go on... 
, Well China needs light because the population is exponentially expanding for them and if at night they have complete darkness then the traditional sex will go on...
The Russians did something very similar in 1992: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Znamya_(satellite)
Seems like just a publicity stunt.
Seems like just a publicity stunt.
Thoughts?
they made that to replace the street lights in that said region? nice advancement China , USA what next?Btw maybe China have a hidden motive so they made that , maybe that machine have a advance surveillance technology to scout neighboring countries , that is my conspiracy theory just kidding that is my opinion
Two thoughts initially come to mind:
Firstly, there is no way you can have a geosynchronous orbit at 500km. At 500km above Earth's surface, as the article states, your orbital period is in the region of an hour and a half, meaning this satellite would orbit the Earth 15-16 times a day.
Secondly, street lights at night already play havoc with the local wildlife. Sea turtle hatchlings for example - their instinct is to follow the brightest light to reach the sea, which used to be the moon reflecting off the water. Now many of them die because instead they wander towards the towns and cities. Something like this could have devastating effects on the ecosystem.
Firstly, there is no way you can have a geosynchronous orbit at 500km. At 500km above Earth's surface, as the article states, your orbital period is in the region of an hour and a half, meaning this satellite would orbit the Earth 15-16 times a day.
Secondly, street lights at night already play havoc with the local wildlife. Sea turtle hatchlings for example - their instinct is to follow the brightest light to reach the sea, which used to be the moon reflecting off the water. Now many of them die because instead they wander towards the towns and cities. Something like this could have devastating effects on the ecosystem.
Perfect. Just think what sort of weapon that'd be if they were to focus all that light energy into a single beam. 
http://time.com/5429288/china-chengdu-artificial-moon/
Not sure what to think about this. Crazy times we're living in... Space force, artificial moon, cryptocurrency... Someone pinch me.
Thoughts?
Not sure what to think about this. Crazy times we're living in... Space force, artificial moon, cryptocurrency... Someone pinch me.
Thoughts?
Jump to: