The world’s first wooden satellite, LignoSat, was launched by Japanese scientists on November 5 to understand the feasibility of timber in space.
Key points
- LignoSat has been jointly developed by Kyoto University and homebuilder Sumitomo Forestry. It was sent it to the International Space Station (ISS) on a SpaceX mission.
- The satellite is positioned approximately 400 kilometres above Earth. The mini-satellite was launched to test the viability of a renewable material in future space habitation and exploration.
- The team of scientists crafted LignoSat from honoki wood, inspired by early wooden aircraft.
- The wood used is a Japanese magnolia species traditionally used for sword sheaths. The decision came after the 10-month ISS study confirming the Honoki’s resilience in space.
- The wooden aircraft are made without screws or glue reflecting traditional craftsmanship.
- The spacecraft will revolve around Earth for six months and it will measure how well the wood withstands the harsh space environment.
- The temperatures in the space change dramatically between -100 degrees and 100 degrees Celsius testing the durability of wood in extreme conditions.
