Japan Researchers Develop World’s First Wooden Satellite
Japanese scientists have pioneered the world’s inaugural wooden satellite, slated for launch in September aboard a SpaceX rocket.
This groundbreaking satellite, named LignoSat, boasts dimensions of 10 centimeters on each side. Its development aims to mitigate the ecological footprint stemming from decommissioned satellites.
Unlike conventional metal satellites, which can emit harmful particles upon atmospheric re-entry, LignoSat’s wooden composition is anticipated to combust entirely, curbing such emissions.
The collaboration between Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry birthed LignoSat, opting for wood due to its eco-friendliness compared to metal. The project underscores the practicality and environmental benefits of using wood in space.
Astronaut Takao Doi champions the adoption of non-metallic satellite materials, foreseeing a potential rise in wooden satellites. Following its launch, LignoSat will journey to the International Space Station (ISS), where scientists will scrutinize its performance in space.
Through the study of LignoSat, researchers aspire to glean insights into the viability of wooden materials for space missions. They seek to ascertain how wood withstands the rigors of space, including extreme temperatures and radiation, with the ultimate goal of fostering more sustainable satellite designs and mitigating space debris.
