Japan’s World’s First-Ever Wooden Satellite Officially Deployed

20th Feb 2024
Japan’s World’s First-Ever Wooden Satellite Officially Deployed

A group of Japanese researchers have developed a peculiar spacecraft, known as the LignoSat probe, that is constructed entirely out of magnolia wood. After carrying out experiments on the ISS, the researchers found that the wood was highly stable and crack-resistant. The team, which consists of research workers from Kyoto University and logging company Sumitomo, is now finalizing plans to launch the wooden satellite via a US rocket later in the summer. 

The purpose of building a satellite out of biodegradable materials like wood is to explore the possibility of using eco-friendly alternatives to the metals currently used in satellite construction. 

first ever wooden satellite
Credit: Nature

LignoSat Released From The ISS

Updated on 10th January

NASA revealed that LignoSat, the world’s first wooden satellite, was successfully deployed from the ISS in December 2024.

LignoSat deployed
An internal view of LignoSat’s structure shows the relationship among wooden panels, aluminium frames, and stainless-steel shafts. Credit: NASA/Kyoto University

This groundbreaking experiment aims to assess the potential of wood as a material for space applications. It could pave the way for a more sustainable alternative to conventional metal components if proven effective.

First-Ever Wooden Satellite Starts Its Six-Month Mission In Space

LignoSat was launched to the International Space Station on a SpaceX rocket on 5 November. Later, the astronauts are expected to release the satellite into a 400km (250 mile) orbit around Earth.

The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, carrying over 6,000 pounds of supplies and scientific experiments, launched into orbit atop a Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space Centre.

Falcon 9 launches Dragon to the ISS
Credit: SpaceX

Wood Samples Exhibit Remarkable Resilience in Space Conditions 

According to Japanese astronaut and Kyoto University aerospace engineer Takao Doi, all satellites that reenter the Earth’s atmosphere produce minuscule alumina particles that can remain in the upper atmosphere for a considerable number of years, ultimately affecting the planet’s environment. To tackle this issue, Kyoto-based research workers launched a project to assess the viability of using different kinds of wood to withstand the pollution-related challenges of space launch as well as long-term flights in orbit.

In initial laboratory tests that simulated space conditions, samples of wood were highly resilient, showing no signs of damage, decomposition, or detectable changes in mass. Koji Murata, the project leader, was astounded at the ability of wood to withstand such conditions.

Samples were transported to the ISS following the lab tests, where exposure trials were conducted for nearly a year before being returned to Earth. Despite being subjected to harsh conditions in space, the samples displayed minimal evidence of damage, which Murata explained could be due to the absence of oxygen in space that could lead to the burning of wood, as well as the lack of living organisms that could cause it to decompose. 

Kyoto Wooden Satellite: Assessing Durability and Deformation While in Orbit

Japaneese Wooden satellite
Japanese satellite made from magnolia wood. Credit: Kyoto University

The researchers evaluated numerous types of wood, such as Japanese cherry, but found that magnolia wood exhibited the highest level of durability. The wood has now been utilized to construct the Kyoto wooden satellite, which is set to carry out several experiments to assess its performance in orbit, Murata noted.

According to Murata, one of the satellite’s missions is to assess the wooden structure’s deformation in space. While wood is stable and durable in one direction, it may be susceptible to changes in size and cracking in another direction. 
Murata also stated that an ultimate decision on the launch vehicle is still pending, and the options have been limited to a flight on an Orbital Sciences Cygnus cargo spacecraft to the ISS in the summer or another SpaceX Dragon mission in the latter part of the year. The probe, which is as small as a coffee mug, is set to operate in space for at least half a year before reentering the upper atmosphere.

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