The American space agency, NASA, is gearing up for a groundbreaking mission called Landolt. Scheduled for launch in early 2029, Landolt will be a one-of-a-kind satellite designed to operate as an artificial star. This mission aims to revolutionize our understanding of the universe by significantly improving the accuracy of ground-based telescopes.
The bread-sized satellite, equipped with eight powerful lasers, will mimic the light emitted by celestial objects ranging from faint stars to exploding supernovas. This artificial beacon will serve as a crucial calibration tool for astronomers. By observing the artificial star alongside real astronomical bodies, they can fine-tune their telescopes and instruments, leading to more precise measurements of distant objects.
“The satellite will be positioned at a specific orbit of 35,785 kilometers above Earth’s surface,” explains Peter Plavchan, the mission’s principal investigator. “This chosen distance allows the satellite to appear as a fixed, real star from Earth’s perspective, particularly over the skies of America during its initial year.”
While invisible to the naked eye, the artificial star will be a clear sight for telescopes equipped with small cameras. With a budget of $195 million and a dedicated team of 30 personnel, the Landolt mission is poised to be a significant breakthrough in space exploration. Astronomers believe this innovative approach will unlock a treasure trove of secrets hidden within the vast universe.
