LignoSat, the world’s first wooden satellite, was one of five CubeSats deployed in Earth orbit last month, 400 km above the planet. The satellite arrived at the International Space Station aboard a SpaceX Dragon cargo capsule in November last year.
unique and durable
The satellite, developed by Kyoto University and homebuilder Sumitomo Forestry, is made from 10 cm-long Honoki magnolia wood panels and assembled with a Japanese wood-joinery method that eschews the use of screws or glue. Its weight is 900 grams.
It will investigate the use of wood in space for six months in orbit, with the findings providing potential clarity on sustainable alternatives to conventional satellites. A conventional satellite uses materials such as aluminum, titanium, Teflon, and thermoplastics.
Lignosat’s success in transforming space exploration
Sensors aboard the Lignosat will evaluate the stress on the wood and its response to temperature and radiation, with the mercury fluctuating from -100 to 100 degrees Celsius every 45 minutes as it orbits from darkness to sunlight. The satellite’s ability to protect itself from geomagnetic fields will also test the technical capabilities of the equipment. Satellite space travel will test its feasibility for lunar and Mars exploration.
Takao Doi, an astronaut who flew on the Space Shuttle and studies human space activities at Kyoto University, said, “With wood, a material we can produce ourselves, we can build homes, live in and live forever.” Will be able to work in space.” reuters,
Forest science professor Koji Murata of Kyoto University said wood is more durable in space than on Earth because there is no water or oxygen that would rot or burn it. Researchers say a wooden satellite also reduces environmental impact at the end of its life.
Solution to space debris problem
Amid growing concerns over space debris, wooden satellites would be a more viable solution as they would re-enter Earth’s atmosphere and burn up. On the other hand, conventional satellites create aluminum oxide particles during re-entry that persist in the upper atmosphere for years.
