Japanese researchers announced that they have successfully built the world’s first wooden satellite, called “LignoSat”. This tiny, cube-shaped object is expected to be launched into space aboard a SpaceX rocket from the United States, potentially as early as September.
Four-year development effort
LignoSat is the result of around four years of development efforts by a team involving Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry Co. It further aims to harness the environmental friendliness and low cost of wood in space exploration.
Environmental benefits of wooden satellites
Wooden satellites are advantageous compared to conventional metal satellites when they re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere at the end of their mission. Rather than creating harmful alumina particles, wooden satellites simply burn up, which is better for the weather and communications.
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Valuable step for space and wood industries
The researchers describe this as an “extremely valuable step” for both the space industry and the wood products industry, as it opens up new possibilities for using sustainable wood resources in space technology.
Design and construction of LignoSat
LignoSat is a 10-centimeter cube made from 4 to 5.5 millimeter-thick magnolia wood panels, with a partial aluminum frame. It has solar panels attached to some sides and weighs approximately 1 kilogram. Additionally, it was constructed using traditional Japanese techniques without any screws or adhesives.
Moreover, the team has confirmed that the wooden material can withstand the harsh environment of outer space.
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