This is a world first. A few days ago, the very first wooden satellite was sent into space. Developed by Japanese researchers, this rather unusual satellite weighing 900 grams will pass through the International Space Station, before being put into orbit above the Earth. But why a wooden satellite?
The objective of this project is to test the ability of wood to protect the satellite’s electronic components in the extreme conditions of space. Indeed, wood is more resistant in space, since the absence of water and oxygen prevents it from rotting or burning.
LignoSat, the world’s first wooden satellite on its way to space
➡️ pic.twitter.com/iFdTGgXUuE— RFI (@RFI) November 5, 2024
A new material for space?
“Metal satellites could be banned in the future”said Takao Doi, astronaut and professor at Kyoto University, according to Reuters. “If we can prove that our first wooden satellite works, we want to present it to Elon Musk’s SpaceX.” Wood is a more sustainable material that could even be used to construct buildings in space.
世界初の木造人工衛星 京大と住宅メーカーが開発 pic.twitter.com/fG2SXaMNVJ
— NHK京都 (@nhk_kyoto) May 28, 2024
Another advantage: wooden satellites would be less polluting when decommissioned. Indeed, when a satellite is decommissioned, it enters the atmosphere. And the problem with metal satellites is that they create aluminum oxide particles when they enter the atmosphere. The combustion of a wooden satellite would therefore be less polluting.
Named LignoSat, the first wooden satellite will be in orbit for a period of six months, allowing researchers to make observations using integrated sensors. This was developed by a group of researchers from Kyoto University with Sumitomo Forestry, a Japanese company specializing in construction.
- The first ever wooden satellite has been sent into space and will orbit Earth for six months
- The objective of this project, led by Japanese researchers, is to test the viability of the material
- Indeed, wood is a material that can be produced and it would create less pollution when decommissioned.
