World's First Wooden Satellite Launched to Reduce Space Debris and Explore the Use of Wood in Space | WPN World People News

Japan's first wooden artificial satellite, LignoSat, was successfully launched into space on the 5th (local time), marking a new milestone in humanity's exploration of space. This experimental satellite was developed by Kyoto University in collaboration with Sumitomo Forestry to test the durability and strength of wood in extreme space environments, and to explore the potential of using wooden materials in future space construction.

Using wood in satellite design will allow it to burn up completely upon re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere, producing only water vapor and reducing the environmental threat of space debris to Earth. Professor Takao Doi from Kyoto University stated that wood's biodegradability can not only reduce space debris but also lower the environmental treatment costs associated with satellite recovery.

LignoSat is a cube with a side length of about 10 cm and a weight of around 1.1 kg. The main material used is magnolia wood, with a thickness ranging from 4 to 5.5 mm. It is equipped with solar panels and sensors to measure temperature and geomagnetism. Using traditional Japanese techniques, the satellite was assembled without screws or adhesives, achieving a highly precise wooden structure.

This mission will measure the expansion, contraction, and temperature changes that wood endures in space, as well as record the effects of the space environment on its electronic equipment. The data gathered will be sent back to Kyoto University for in-depth analysis. If the wood proves capable of withstanding harsh space conditions, this would provide valuable experience and confidence for using wood to construct living spaces in space.

Professor Takao Doi noted that the development of LignoSat is not only a technological test but also an exploration of wood as a resource in space. He hopes that in the future, fully wooden satellites, including electronic boards, could be realized, thus expanding the use of this sustainable material in constructing human habitats in space.