NEWS – On November 5, 2024, the world’s first wooden satellite, named LignoSat, was launched into space.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Developed by Kyoto University (Takao Doi, a former Japanese astronaut) and Sumitomo Forestry, LignoSat is a step toward exploring the potential of wood in space exploration.
• The satellite was launched aboard a SpaceX mission and will be tested for its capabilities in space, with plans for future applications on the Moon and Mars.

Purpose of the Wooden Satellite

• Tasked with testing the viability of timber in space exploration, focusing on lunar and Mars missions.
• The mission aims to demonstrate that timber can be a renewable, practical material for construction and habitation in space environments.
• The long-term plan involves using wood for building structures on the Moon and Mars, starting with timber-based homes for astronauts.

Key Features of LignoSat

• LignoSat is a small, palm-sized satellite made from honoki wood, a type of magnolia native to Japan.
• It is a NASA-certified satellite, ensuring that it meets space-grade standards for durability and reliability.
• The satellite aims to minimize environmental impact, both in space and during its re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere.

Scientific and Industrial Implications

• Wood, although organic, is more durable in space than on Earth due to the absence of oxygen and water, which typically cause decay and corrosion.
• Wooden satellites would burn up upon re-entry, generating less pollution compared to traditional metal satellites that release harmful aluminum oxide particles.
• LignoSat will also measure how wood can help reduce the impact of space radiation, potentially offering benefits for industries like data centers.

Innovative Wood Use in Space

• LignoSat’s construction uses traditional Japanese craft techniques, avoiding modern materials like screws and glue.
• The satellite will stay in orbit for six months, where it will endure extreme temperature fluctuations and test how wood withstands the harsh space environment.
• The researchers selected honoki wood after conducting experiments aboard the International Space Station (ISS) to determine which wood type best suits space applications.

Impact on the Timber Industry

• The success of LignoSat may help promote the timber industry, showcasing wood as a viable material for cutting-edge technology and space exploration.
• According to researchers, space exploration could offer new markets and uses for timber, especially with future plans for habitats on the Moon and Mars.

Future of Wooden Satellites in Space

• If successful, wooden satellites may replace traditional metal ones in the future, especially as space travel expands.
• The research team plans to pitch wooden satellites to SpaceX for future space missions, potentially revolutionizing space technology and reducing environmental impact.