Japan's first wooden satellite is ready for its launch to ISS
While a Finnish competitor is still waiting for a launch opportunity, Japan reaches a milestone in its mission to launch the first wooden satellite into space.
(Image: Sumitomo Forestry)
The first satellite made of wood is ready to be handed over to the Japanese Space Agency for a planned launch in the fall. According to a report by the Japan Times, the 10 × 10 × 10 cm small satellite "LignoSat" is first being transported to International Space Station ISS. Around a month after its arrival, it could then be released into space so that its durability can be tested. The satellite will provide data on its own condition for around six months before it burns up during its return to Earth. It was built using a traditional Japanese technique from magnolia wood and without screws or glue.
Big plans for wood in space
Development of the wooden satellite began in spring 2020. Since then, tests have been carried out to ensure that the LignoSat does not pose a risk to the ISS crew or its instruments. According to those responsible, the aim of the project is to replace metal satellites. To this end, the Kyoto University research group has collaborated with the Japanese forestry group Sumitomo Forestry. Together, they want to expand the potential of wood as a renewable resource and one day build wooden habitats in space, on the moon and even on Mars. A successor, LignoSat-2, is already being planned.
When the project was presented to the public several years ago, it was said that one of the goals was to be able to re-enter the atmosphere without leaving any harmful residues. The main concern was the contamination of the atmosphere with harmful aluminum particles. These are released into the atmosphere on re-entry and are likely to affect the environment at some point, it was said at the time. One of the researchers on the project had been to space twice as an astronaut. The team had also explained that using wood would also allow simpler structures. Because the natural product does not block electromagnetic waves or the Earth's magnetic field, technical equipment such as antennas can be installed inside.
If everything goes according to plan, the Japanese group may beat another project from Finland to the punch. A Finnish timber company actually wanted to send a satellite with wooden walls into space as early as 2021. The "Wisa Woodsaat" is supposedly already finished, but is still waiting to be launched. Unlike the LignoSat, which is intended to provide valuable data, the competitor from Finland was primarily intended as advertising, even though those involved have assured that they will collect "data on the behavior and durability of plywood in the harsh environment". However, both satellites would not be the first wooden objects in space, as NASA had already encased several lunar landing capsules in balsa wood.
(mho)