Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry Launch LignoSat: World’s First Wooden Satellite to Combat Space Debris

Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry have developed LignoSat, the world’s first wooden satellite, made from magnolia wood. The satellite, which will launch from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, aims to reduce space clutter and promote environmentally friendly space activity. Unlike conventional satellites, wooden satellites burn up upon reentry, reducing air pollution risks. The project, led by Kyoto University professor and astronaut Takao Doi, also aims to explore the potential of wood as a sustainable resource for building human habitats in space. Data collected post-launch will inform the development of a second satellite, LignoSat-2.

Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry Develop First Wooden Satellite

Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry have announced the completion of LignoSat, the first artificial satellite made of wood. The satellite is set to launch from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida to the International Space Station in September, with deployment from the Japanese Experiment Module Kibo scheduled for approximately one month later. The development of LignoSat began in April 2020, marking a significant milestone in the field of satellite technology.

LignoSat is constructed from magnolia wood, chosen for its strength and workability. The selection process involved space exposure tests on cherry, birch, and magnolia wood chips. The wood was sourced from Sumitomo Forestry’s company forest, ensuring a sustainable supply chain. The 10-cubic-centimeter probe was assembled using a traditional Japanese technique that doesn’t require any screws or glue, demonstrating the versatility of wood as a construction material.

LignoSat: A Solution to Space Debris and Pollution

The LignoSat project aims to address the issue of space clutter and promote more environmentally friendly space activity. Current international rules mandate that satellites reenter the atmosphere after their missions to prevent them from becoming space debris. Conventional satellites, however, pose air pollution risks due to metal particles generated during reentry. Wooden satellites, which burn up upon reentry, are expected to mitigate this effect.

Kyoto University professor and astronaut Takao Doi emphasized the importance of exploring the potential of wood as a sustainable resource. The team envisions building human habitats using wood in space, such as on the moon and Mars, in the future. This innovative approach could revolutionize space exploration and habitation, reducing the environmental impact of these activities.

Data Collection and Future Developments

In the six months following the launch, data on wood expansion and contraction, internal temperature, geomagnetism, and electronic equipment performance will be collected. This data, received by Kyoto University’s communications station, will inform the development of a second satellite, LignoSat-2. The information gathered will be crucial in understanding how wood behaves in space and how it can be effectively utilized in future projects.

Sumitomo Forestry will also study the results to understand how wood breaks down at the nano-level. The company aims to develop technology to prevent wood from degrading and to create new uses for wood, including highly durable materials for building exteriors. This research could have far-reaching implications, not only for space technology but also for terrestrial construction and material science.

LignoSat: A Step Towards Sustainable Space Exploration

The development and launch of LignoSat represent a significant step towards sustainable space exploration. By utilizing wood, a renewable resource, Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry are pioneering a new approach to satellite construction that could reduce space debris and pollution. The data collected from LignoSat will be invaluable in furthering our understanding of how wood behaves in space, potentially paving the way for wooden habitats on other planets. As we continue to explore the cosmos, it is crucial that we do so in a way that minimizes our impact on the environment, both on Earth and in space.