In a bold leap toward futuristic infrastructure, China has announced plans to launch an artificial moon into Earth’s orbit by 2027. The initiative, designed to reflect sunlight back to Earth, aims to illuminate urban areas at night, reduce reliance on street lighting, and push the boundaries of orbital technology.
The project envisions a satellite equipped with a highly reflective surface, capable of directing sunlight to specific regions during the night. This “second moon” is expected to shine up to eight times brighter than the natural moon, casting a glow over an area nearly 50 kilometers in diameter.
Officials claim that the project could save millions in electricity costs each year and offer critical lighting during emergencies such as natural disasters. The first city targeted for testing this technology is Chengdu in southwestern China, where previous feasibility studies have been conducted.
The artificial moon will orbit at approximately 500 kilometers above Earth, significantly closer than the real moon. Its reflectivity and trajectory will be carefully controlled to avoid affecting wildlife, disrupting ecosystems, or interfering with astronomy.
While the announcement has stirred excitement in tech and energy sectors, environmentalists and astronomers have raised concerns about light pollution, the impact on nocturnal animals, and interference with space observation. Questions also remain regarding the regulation of artificial celestial bodies and the geopolitical implications of placing powerful space mirrors in orbit.
A Part of China’s Bigger Space Vision
This announcement fits into China’s larger space strategy, which includes crewed moon missions, the Tiangong space station, and ambitious partnerships like the International Lunar Research Station. By 2030, China plans to land astronauts on the moon and lead key innovations in space-based infrastructure.
With the launch of the artificial moon projected for 2027, China is not just lighting up the night sky — it’s sending a clear signal of its technological ambitions and its intent to lead the new space frontier.
