Recently, Chinese scientists have built an “artificial moon” research facility that will enable them to simulate low-gravity environments using magnetism.
The mini-moon is about two feet in diameter and the artificial surface has been made with rocks and dust that are as light as those on the moon.
It can replicate low gravity environments, making China less dependent on zero-gravity planes to train astronauts, and environments to test new rovers and technologies.
The facility, slated for official launch this year, will use powerful magnetic fields inside a 2-foot-diameter (60 centimeters) vacuum chamber to make gravity ....