In a groundbreaking mission, the world’s first wooden satellite, LignoSat, has been launched into space, CNN reports.
Developed by Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry, the palm-sized satellite marks a significant step towards utilizing timber in future lunar and Martian exploration.
LignoSat, named after the Latin word for “wood,” was launched on a SpaceX mission and is now en route to the International Space Station. After its arrival, it will be released into orbit approximately 400 kilometers above Earth.
The mission aims to demonstrate the viability of wood as a sustainable and durable material for long-term space habitation. “With timber, a material we can produce by ourselves, we will be able to build houses, live and work in space forever,” said Takao Doi, an astronaut and Kyoto University professor who has flown on the Space Shuttle.
The team, with a 50-year vision of planting trees and building timber houses on the moon and Mars, has meticulously studied the resilience of wood in space.
“Early 1900s airplanes were made of wood,” said Koji Murata, a Kyoto University forest science professor. “A wooden satellite should be feasible, too.”
Research indicates that wood is surprisingly resistant to the harsh space environment. The absence of water and oxygen prevents rotting and combustion, making wood more durable in space than on Earth. Furthermore, decommissioned wooden satellites are less polluting than their metal counterparts during atmospheric re-entry, as they simply burn up with minimal debris.
After extensive research, LignoSat is crafted from honoki, a type of magnolia tree native to Japan, known for its strength and traditionally used in crafting sword sheaths. The satellite is built using traditional Japanese woodworking techniques, free of screws or glue.
During its six-month stay in orbit, LignoSat will be monitored for its ability to withstand extreme temperature fluctuations (-100 to 100 degrees Celsius) and the effects of cosmic radiation. The satellite will also assess wood’s potential in reducing radiation impact on sensitive electronics, making it a promising material for future space data centers.
LignoSat’s success could open up a new chapter in space exploration, paving the way for eco-friendly and sustainable structures on the moon and Mars.
