On November 5, 2024, a significant milestone was achieved with the launch of LignoSat, the world’s first wooden satellite, designed by researchers from Japan. This innovative project, a collaboration between Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry, aims to explore the potential of wood as a sustainable material for use in space, particularly for future lunar and Martian habitats.
LignoSat, named after the Latin term for wood, is set to be deployed from the International Space Station during a SpaceX mission. This satellite measures just a few inches across and is intended to test wood’s resilience in the harsh conditions of space, specifically in low Earth orbit, approximately 400 kilometers above the planet.
The concept of using wood in space endeavors is spearheaded by Takao Doi, a former astronaut and professor at Kyoto University. Doi believes that wood could revolutionize space living, allowing humanity to construct sustainable environments on other celestial bodies. “Timber can be cultivated and utilized by humanity, making it a promising resource for establishing long-term habitats beyond Earth,” he stated.
Research into wooden materials for aerospace applications has been underway, and the team picked honoki, a Japanese magnolia species renowned for its hardness, as the ideal wood for LignoSat. They crafted the satellite using traditional techniques that avoid the use of screws or adhesives, emphasizing a return to natural materials.
One of the primary goals of this initial mission is to assess how wood withstands the extreme temperature variances in space and how it can offer protection against radiation for sensitive electronics. Notably, if successful, LignoSat could pave the way for a future where wooden structures become the norm on the moon and Mars, benefitting both the environment and the potential for space colonization.
As Doi noted, the traditional metal satellites create pollutants during deconstruction, while wooden satellites would burn up cleanly upon re-entry, thus reducing space debris. This opens a new avenue for sustainable practices in space exploration, positioning wooden materials as a viable technology for the future.
Overall, this pioneering effort not only stands to benefit space exploration but could invigorate the timber industry by integrating ancient practices with modern technology.
Related Stories:
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/first-wooden-satellite-will-test-green-space-exploration/
https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/05/style/japan-wooden-satellite-hnk-intl/index.html
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5y3qzd5ql9o
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- https://newsforkids.net/articles/2024/11/06/first-wooden-satellite-launched-into-space/
- https://physicsworld.com/a/timber-japan-launches-worlds-first-wooden-satellite-into-space/
