China sending up a moon for night light
From iPhone replicas to near perfect MacBook copy. China is known to create knockoff products. In part due to the absence of major copyright laws. However, now that China is in the making of a Moon replica, I wonder if the nature will sue.
But why?
Apparently, it was found that a certain region, Chengdu, consumes way too much electricity in keeping the street lights lit. So they came up with an innovative solution. To manufacture a shiny sphere and send it up to space. Finally, get it on the right place so it reflects the sunlight to the region in question. Sounds simple no?
The idea
Wu Chunfeng, head of Tian Fu New Area Science Society explains:
The artificial moon will have a reflective coating that can reflect sunlight back to Earth, similar to how the moon shines.
The man-made moon is essentially an illumination satellite designed to complement the moon at night, though it is predicted to be eight times brighter.
The first moon will be mostly experimental, but the three moons in 2022 will be the real deal with great civic and commercial potential.
Additionally, the location and brightness of reflected light can be changed, while its coverage accuracy will probably be within a few dozen meters.
Photo by Pawel Nolbert on Unsplash
Feasibility
Wu estimated Chengdu could save around 1.2 billion ($174 million) yuan in electricity annually if the artificial moon illuminated 50 sq km of the city.
Additionally, the extra light can shine into disaster zones during blackouts, thus aiding relief and rescue efforts. The mirrors will be adjustable for luminosity. Even turning it off. However, the satellite will perform poorly in cloudy conditions.
However, the idea of an artificial moon seems largely redundant. Streetlights do provide adequate light, and efficient LED significantly cuts down electricity costs. Finally, the cost required in sending it up and maintaining the satellite may prove too expensive.
China plans to launch the satellite by 2020. If this proves to be a successful venture.
0 Comments