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Could sustainability in outer-space lead to more sustainability here on Earth? Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry announced on May 28, 2024, the completion of the world's first wooden satellite! The satellite, named LignoSat, will launch from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida with a destination of the International Space Center in September.

The LignoSat Project's goal is to "combat space clutter and promote more environmentally friendly space activity." Current international rules require that all satellites reenter the atmosphere upon completion of their missions to avoid them becoming debris in space. While conventional satellites create air pollution risks due to metal particulates generated upon reentry, wooden satellites will burn up upon reentry and are expected to mitigate this effect. With development of the project beginning in April of 2020, the material selected for this satellite was magnolia wood due to its strength and workability after space exposure tests were conducted on multiple contenders.

Data including wood expansion and contraction, geomagnetism and electronic equipment performance, and internal temperature will be collected in the six months after launch. This data will be used to inform the development of LignoSat-2. Sumitomo Forestry will also use this data to examine how wood breaks down at a nano-level for later development of wood degradation prevention technology and new uses for wood including more durable materials for building exteriors.

This space development could have very real implications here on Earth. This news was shared with us by one of our readers and we are excited to see what will come next!

Sources:

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/05/29/japan/science-health/world-first-wooden-satellite/

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/wooden-satellite-lignosat-jaxa-japan/

Photo: The Japan Times

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