A wooden satellite called LignoSat, made from magnolia wood chosen for its strength and ease of shaping, is set to launch into space. Developed by Kyoto University and Japanese logging company Sumitomo Forestry, this satellite will be the first of its kind to be sent into orbit. It is scheduled to launch from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, USA, to the International Space Station in September, where it will be deployed from Japan’s Kibo Experimental Module about a month later.
The project began in April 2020 with space exposure tests on different wood types before settling on using wood from Sumitomo Forestry’s forests. The assembly of the satellite is done using traditional Japanese techniques, and it also features external solar panels. An important aspect of this project is its goal to reduce space clutter and promote environmentally friendly space activities. Traditional satellites are at risk of causing air pollution due to metal particles produced during re-entry after completing their missions. Wooden satellites like LignoSat are expected to overcome this issue as they will burn up upon re-entering the atmosphere.
The team behind the project plans to collect data on wood expansion and contraction, internal temperature, electronics performance, and geomagnetics for six months after launch. This data will inform the development of the second satellite, LignoSat-2. Sumitomo Forestry will also study the results to understand wood decay at the nano level and develop technologies to prevent degradation and explore new uses for wood, such as creating super durable materials for exterior construction.
