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Kyoto University researchers and Japan’s Sumitomo Forestry have developed the world’s first wooden satellite in a bid to make space exploration more sustainable, Nature reports. The satellite, dubbed LignoSat, is made from magnolia-wood panels using traditional Japanese wood-joinery techniques which require no glue or metal fittings. The satellite will be launched into orbit from the International Space Station in November after being transferred there in September.
How does it work? LignoSat, which measures approximately 10 cm in length, is equipped with an aluminum frame, solar panels, circuit boards, and sensors. It aims to address the growing concern about space debris in orbit — which can threaten spacecraft and space stations — by ensuring complete incineration upon re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere, releasing only water vapor and carbon dioxide.
Big plans ahead: The satellite’s mission is to assess the feasibility of using wooden satellites, and includes evaluating the strain on the wood, temperature, geomagnetic forces, and cosmic radiation, as well as testing its ability to receive and transmit radio signals. The project, which began in 2020, will also help determine the feasibility of using wood to construct shelters on the moon and Mars, leveraging wood’s natural radiation-shielding properties and thermal insulation capabilities.
But it still has its challenges: While wood offers several advantages for space use, including not blocking radio waves and being resilient in space’s harsh environment, concerns remain regarding its structural integrity and longevity in space. Experts also question how wood will fare against galactic cosmic radiation and its potential impact on mechanical properties over time.
