Japan Launches World’s First Wooden Satellite LignoSat, Know Its Role in Space Junk Reduction

LignoSat, the world’s first wooden satellite, was launched on November 5, 2024 aboard a SpaceX rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Kyoto University and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) oversee the project project. Its first task is to test the durability of wood in the harsh environment of space, with the ultimate goal of reducing space debris.

In this article, we will learn what LignoSat is, its importance, specifications and how it will help mitigate the space debris problem.

What is LignoSat? Why is it so important?

Takao Doi, astronaut and professor at Kyoto University, holds an engineering model of LignoSat; Photo: Reuters

LignoSat, the world’s first wooden satellite and Japan’s first, was developed by a team of scientists from Kyoto University to explore the potential of using wood as an environmentally friendly alternative to metal. Satellite construction.

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What is LignoSat’s mission?

LignoSat is designed to orbit the Earth for six months while withstanding extreme conditions, including exposure to cosmic radiation, high temperature changes and microgravity. During this time, it will collect data on the durability and resilience of wood in space. If successful, LignoSat’s findings could lead to new methods of satellite construction that replace traditional metal with wood, thereby reducing the amount of waste after re-entry.

Why did Japan choose wood to build this satellite?

Japan chose magnolia wood to build LignoSat’s panels because magnolia is known for its toughness and is widely used in traditional Japanese crafts. The wood is made using ancient Japanese techniques that avoid the use of screws or glue, making it both light and strong. By choosing wood, the satellite will burn completely upon re-entry, leaving no trace in the atmosphere, a feature that helps prevent more space debris.

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What challenges with space debris does LignoSat aim to solve?

As the number of satellites and space missions increases, space debris has become an increasingly pressing problem. Traditional satellites are made of metal parts that often survive re-entry, creating dangerous debris in Earth orbit. The accumulation of “space junk” poses risks to active satellites, space stations and even astronauts. By creating a biodegradable satellite, Japan hopes to introduce a solution to mitigate debris problems by developing materials that completely break down upon re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere.

What is unique about LignoSat’s design?

LignoSat’s wooden structure is built from lightweight magnolia wood, resulting in its small size (only 10 cm) and light weight of only 900 grams. The choice of wooden panels made without the use of screws or glue is unusual for a satellite design, and this method of assembly ensures the satellite remains compact and strong. The simplicity of LignoSat’s structure is intended to reduce the environmental footprint of satellite manufacturing and testing of new sustainable materials that could impact future spacecraft.

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How is LignoSat’s durability tested in space?

Once in orbit, LignoSat will undergo a series of tests to see how the magnolia wood withstands extreme temperature changes, cosmic radiation and the lack of atmospheric protection in space. During the six-month mission, researchers will monitor any changes in the wood’s structure, integrity and elasticity and compare these findings to the performance of traditional materials such as metal.

in conclusion

If LignoSat proves feasible, Japan may consider launching more wooden satellites or expanding the use of wood in spacecraft construction. Kyoto University’s Center for Human Space Science and other researchers are already exploring alternative materials and design techniques to minimize the environmental impact of space missions.

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