Japan’s Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry announced the completion of LignoSat, the world’s first wooden artificial satellite.
- LignoSat will launch from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida to the International Space Station in September 2024.
- LignoSat is crafted from magnolia wood, selected for its strength and workability. The wood was sourced from Sumitomo Forestry’s company forest.
- The LignoSat project aims to combat space clutter and promote more environmentally friendly space activity.
- Current international rules mandate that satellites reenter the atmosphere after their missions to avoid them becoming space debris.
- Conventional satellites pose air pollution risks due to metal particles generated during reentry. Wooden satellites, which burn up upon reentry, are expected to mitigate this effect.
