Russia launching high-tech 'Tower of Babel' into space, including pyramid that will shine over the world

The pyramid satellite will shine brighter than the planet Venus.

The Russians are about to launch a high-tech Tower of Babel into space, which among other objects will deliver a pyramid into orbit that will shine brighter than any star.

LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) -- Tonight, as the western world sleeps, Russia will launch a Soyuz rocket into space. Atop the rocket is a payload that has been described as a "Tower of Babel." The rocket will deploy a stack of 73 satellites, arranged in tower configuration.

Included in the array of satellites is one to outshine them all, and even the stars. Known as Mayak, or "Beacon" in English, the satellite is the size of a football. However, it will unfurl a massive reflective pyramid-shaped sail high above Earth. The sail will be reflective, and will shine brightly in the night sky.

Estimates suggest the sail could be brighter than the planet Venus, and possibly as bright as the Moon. The former is more likely.

Astronomers are upset about the satellite, which will add a bright light to the dark skies they need to be able to see faint objects in deep space.

However, the Mayak satellite will not remain in the sky for too long. Over several days or weeks, the sail will cause the satellite to descend into the Earth's atmosphere. The intent is to test a system that can be used to bring defunct satellites back to Earth. Such a system could reduce the quantity of space junk up there. Space junk is a serious hazard to spaceflight.

The stack of 73 satellites is being called a "Tower of Babel" because the tiny micro satellites come from a multitude of nations, and are programmed in various languages. A wide variety of commercial and research projects will be conducted.

If the Mayak launch is successful, it is certain similar missions will follow.