Green space: Japan set to test world’s first wooden satellite
In a groundbreaking development for space exploration, scientists from Kyoto University, in collaboration with homebuilder Sumitomo Forestry, are preparing to test the world’s first wooden satellite, LignoSat. The innovative satellite is scheduled to launch next week aboard a SpaceX rocket, with its destination set for the International Space Station (ISS).
Former Japanese Space Shuttle astronaut Takao Doi, who was part of the Kyoto team, emphasized the potential for wood to revolutionize materials used in space. “If we can use materials that humans can make and bring them to outer space, people will be able to create a sustainable society,” he stated. “That’s why we made this wooden satellite—to explore if wood can be utilized in space.”
LignoSat, which derives its name from the Latin word for wood, will be deployed from the ISS in the coming weeks, where it will orbit Earth for six months. During this time, researchers aim to evaluate how well the wood withstands the harsh conditions of space.
Professor Koji Murata, an expert in forest science, highlighted the resilience of wood in the vacuum of space, noting that there are no elements to cause it to decay or ignite. The satellite is crafted from Japanese honoki, a magnolia species known for its durability and ease of processing. This wood has historically been used for crafting items like Japanese sword scabbards and wooden sandals due to its strength.
A significant advantage of using wood for satellite construction is its environmental impact at the end of its life cycle. Unlike traditional satellites, which release harmful metal particles upon re-entry, wooden satellites burn up harmlessly in the atmosphere, posing less risk to the environment.
Looking to the future, Doi envisions a bold ambition: planting trees and constructing timber homes on the Moon and Mars. This initiative could mark a significant step toward establishing a sustainable human presence beyond Earth.
As the launch date approaches, the scientific community eagerly anticipates the insights LignoSat will provide, potentially reshaping the future of space materials and exploration.
