Mayak, the so-called “Artificial Star”, is made of a reflective thin polymer film 20 times thinner than human hair. It was launched from Baikonur spaceport on July 14 aboard a Soyuz 2.1a rocket. Upon arrival to the orbit, the satellite unfolded its sun reflector.
It has a parachute-like structure, which may be used to lower the orbits of space debris, so that they can be burnt in Earth atmosphere.
The spacecraft is in a sun-synchronous orbit 600 kilometers above the ground. This means that it will always be in the path of sunlight, and will always be shining at different places on Earth as it rotates. Some astronomers are unhappy with the Mayak satellite, which is no larger than a rugby ball. They believe that it is a “nonsense” project that could “ruin” dark skies for everyone.
Source: Mail Online
First read about this years ago, didn't think they'd actually go through with it! I recall that the original intention of the larger project is to be able to create an artificial SUN, to perhaps grow crops in Siberia when it's dark all the time.
Very interesting @ghasemkiani thanks for sharing.
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really?? how would they do that?? hehe nice ;)