China Wants to Launch a Fake Moon into Space

Lunar lookalikes are designed to provide illumination.

Moon landing
NASA will return to the moon by 2024. (Getty)
Getty Images

China is tasking a fake moon — or several lunar lookalikes — with illuminating an entire portion of the country.

In 2020 China hopes to send the so-called “illumination satellites” into space in order to provide more nighttime light and, in effect, reduce its need for pricy street lamps, according to Fast Company.

Chinese-run state media reported that the light sources will cut electricity costs and provide a “dusk-like glow” over the city of Chengdu.

The satellites will supposedly produce light via  a “reflective coating that can ‘deflect sunlight’ back to Earth.”

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