Japan Launches World's First Wooden Satellite into Space

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Facts

  • LignoSat, the world's first wood-paneled satellite, was launched into space aboard a SpaceX mission on Tuesday in an early test of the use of timber in lunar and Mars exploration.[1][2]
  • Researchers from Japan's Kyoto University and homebuilder Sumitomo Forestry developed the palm-sized glue- and screw-less satellite using hinoki magnolia wood and traditional Japanese crafting techniques.[2]
  • The box-like experimental satellite measures 4 inches (10 centimeters) on each side. It is expected to orbit approximately 250 miles above Earth for a six-month testing period.[1][3]
  • LignoSat will measure wood's endurance in extreme space conditions, where temperatures fluctuate between -100°C and 100°C every 45 minutes during orbit transitions. Space's lack of water or oxygen will theoretically protect it from fire or decay.[4]
  • Researchers will also evaluate the wooden structure's ability to shield semiconductors from space radiation, potentially leading to applications in data center construction.[2][5]
  • The project aims to demonstrate wood's viability as a space-grade material, with researchers reportedly envisioning a five decade plan for the construction of timber structures on the moon and Mars.[6][7]

Sources: [1]The Guardian, [2]NBC, [3]USA Today, [4]Japan Times, [5]Verge, [6]CNN and [7]The New York Times

Narratives

  • Narrative A, as provided by Space. Wooden satellites represent an environmentally conscious solution for space exploration, as they burn up cleanly during atmospheric re-entry compared to metal satellites that release aluminum oxide particles. Indeed, metal satellites might face future restrictions due to their environmental impact, making wooden alternatives an increasingly important part of sustainable space development.
  • Narrative B, as provided by BBC News. Timber has properties that are hard to control, and from an engineering point of view, it's a complex material with which to make critical structures like spacecraft parts. Prioritizing finding ways to make future space exploration sustainable is fine, but using wood in space technology is outdated and offers no real solution to reducing the space industry's environmental impact.