Russia takes the artificial star brightest into the sky

Why Thien Lang will soon lose the title of the brightest star in the night sky when Russia launches the "Guide" satellite to space in mid-2017.

According to Science Alert, the satellite named Mayak (Guide) is designed to orbit opposite the Sun and reflect light through giant sails, making it brighter than any other star in the sky. night sky, even the Moon.

This satellite does not perform observation or scientific research.The goal of the project is simply to inspire people by creating an artificial star visible to the naked eye.

Design of Mayak satellite.(Photo: Boomstarter).

"We will launch a satellite into orbit to turn it into the brightest star in the sky, visible from every point on Earth," Alexander Shaenko, the project leader, shared with Sputnik News.

Mayak satellite is only as big as a loaf of bread, but will spread the triangle-shaped sail of 16m ² when entering orbit 600km from Earth and turn the sail into a pyramid reflecting light. The sail is made of a thin polymer material. Engineers are building a brake system for satellites to help it descend to a lower orbit without using the engine and avoiding collision with cosmic garbage.

The Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, has approved a plan to launch Mayak into space using a Soyuz-2 rocket in early July this year.

"Through supporting projects like Mayak, we want to improve student motivation, encourage them to work for Russia's space rocket industry in the future," a Roscosmos spokesman said.

The project's engineering team needs to complete all tests before the launch date and build a satellite model for display at the Moscow Astronaut Museum. However, many expressed concern that this too-bright artificial star could hinder astronomers from tracking real stars.