China is looking to build ginormous miles-wide 'megastructures' in space

China is planning to build miles-wide'megastructures' in orbit, including solar power plants, tourism complexes, gas stations and even asteroid mining facilities. The National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) announced a new five-year plan, directing researchers to develop technologies and techniques. The structures will require lightweight materials to allow larger objects to get into orbit with existing rockets. Researchers will also need to adopt technology to allow for in-orbit assembly and control. The Chinese government said there is an'urgent need' for megaprojects in space that would require ultra-large spacecraft to keep them in orbit.