LignoSat : Japan’s Tiny Wooden Satellite
In a world-first, Japanese researchers have built a tiny wooden satellite named LignoSat that will be launched into space in September.
- LignoSat a fusion of “ligno” (the Latin word for wood) and “satellite”,.
- It is developed by collaborative research and development by a team comprising members from Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry Co.
- Their objective is to leverage the eco-friendliness and cost-effectiveness of wood in space exploration.
- It is constructed from magnolia wood, chosen for its durability and adaptability.
- Wooden satellites are viewed as more environmentally friendly upon reentering the Earth’s atmosphere at the conclusion of their mission.
- Unlike metal satellites, which pose air pollution risks due to the generation of metal particles during reentry, wooden satellites mitigate these concerns.
- It will first be sent to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard a SpaceX rocket from the Kennedy Space Center.
- Once it reaches the ISS, it will be released from the Japanese experiment module to test its durability and strength.
- Researchers will receive data from the satellite to monitor its performance, including signs of strain and its ability to withstand extreme temperature changes.
