A historic milestone in space exploration is about to be reached as Japan prepares to launch the world’s first wooden satellite, LignoSat, in September. The cube-shaped satellite, measuring just 4 inches on each side and weighing 2 pounds, was developed by researchers at Kyoto University in collaboration with Japanese logging company Sumitomo Forestry.
Instead of using traditional materials like aluminum or steel, LignoSat’s components are made from magnolia wood sourced from a Sumitomo Forestry forest. This wood was chosen for its strength and workability after it outperformed cherry and birch wood chips in space exposure tests. Once deployed from Japan’s Kibo module about a month after arriving at the International Space Station (ISS), researchers will study how LignoSat fares in the harsh conditions of space. Data collected will include information on wood expansion, contraction, degradation, internal temperature, and electronic equipment performance.
The success of LignoSat could pave the way for more environmentally friendly approaches to satellite reentries. Unlike traditional satellites that release harmful metal particles when they burn up in Earth’s atmosphere, a wooden satellite would pose less risk. The potential of wood as a sustainable resource in space is significant, according to Takao Doi, an astronaut and professor at Kyoto University who has been involved in the project since its inception.
Development of LignoSat began in April 2020 and ground tests have been completed to ensure its functionality and safety for launch later this year. This innovative endeavor not only pushes the boundaries of satellite technology but also offers new possibilities for sustainable space exploration and habitat construction using wood on celestial bodies like the moon and Mars in the future.
In summary, Japan is set to make history by launching the world’s first wooden satellite known as LignoSat which was developed by researchers at Kyoto University and Japanese logging company Sumitomo Forestry. The tiny cube-shaped satellite measures 4 inches on each side and weighs just over 2 pounds. It was crafted using a traditional Japanese technique that doesn’t require screws or glue, equipped with external solar panels made from magnolia wood sourced from a Sumitomo Forestry forest. If LignoSat performs well in space it could pave the way for more environmentally friendly approaches to satellite reentries which pose less risk than traditional satellites that release harmful metal particles when they burn up in Earth’s atmosphere.
