An innovative satellite constructed primarily from wood has officially been launched into orbit, marking a historic milestone for space exploration. The Japanese developers behind this groundbreaking project assert that this is the inaugural instance of a wooden satellite ever being sent into space.
The diminutive satellite, aptly named LignoSat, embarked on its journey aboard an uncrewed Cargo Dragon spacecraft, en route to the International Space Station (ISS). Following its arrival, the satellite is set to be deployed into a stable orbit approximately 400 kilometers above Earth’s surface, where it will undergo further observation.
Built in a compact box-like design with each dimension measuring around 10 centimeters, LignoSat represents a collaboration between researchers at Kyoto University and the renowned Japanese homebuilder Sumitomo Forestry, blending advanced technology with traditional craftsmanship.
A representative from Sumitomo Forestry confirmed the successful launch of this innovative satellite to the French news agency AFP, expressing optimism about its upcoming operations. According to her, the timeline indicates that LignoSat will be released into orbit within a month, at which point its durability and performance will be rigorously assessed.
While primarily composed of wood, LignoSat also integrates essential electronic components designed to manage its maneuverability and gather operational data. Once it is deployed, the satellite is projected to function in orbit for a duration of approximately six months, providing valuable insights into its performance in space.
International agencies have consistently flagged space junk as a growing environmental threat, encompassing defunct satellites, lost equipment, and even diminutive fragments of paint floating in the cosmos. These space debris pose significant risks to operational spacecraft and satellites, necessitating innovative solutions to mitigate their dangers.
Takao Doi, a seasoned astronaut with a wealth of experience from previous space missions, is currently studying human space activity at Kyoto University. He conveyed to Reuters his belief in the potential of wood to enhance the living conditions for astronauts on long-term missions. “With timber, a material we can produce by ourselves, we will be able to build houses, live, and work in space indefinitely,” Doi remarked, emphasizing the sustainability of such materials in extraterrestrial environments.
He highlighted that the purpose of this pioneering experiment is to showcase wood’s viability as a durable material for future technology in space. Kyoto University’s forest science professor, Koji Murata, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Early 1900s airplanes were made of wood. A wooden satellite should be feasible, too.” He elucidated that wood’s resilience allows it to endure the harsh conditions of space far better than on Earth, where moisture or oxygen can lead to degradation.
Doi speculated about a future where metal satellites might face restrictions or bans, adding, “If we can prove our first wooden satellite works, we want to pitch it to Elon Musk’s SpaceX,” highlighting the potential for collaboration with leading space initiatives.
The research team noted that a 10-month investigative study aboard the ISS determined that honoki, a traditional Japanese wood known for its use in the production of sword covers, is ideally suited for space applications. LignoSat has been crafted using honoki through a traditional Japanese crafting method that forgoes screws and glue, reflecting a blend of modern technology and cultural heritage.
Kenji Kariya, a leader at Sumitomo Forestry’s Tsukuba Research Institute, elaborated that the wooden satellite’s mission also involves assessing the material’s efficacy in mitigating the impacts of space radiation on semiconductors, potentially leading to innovative applications in aerospace technology.
“It may seem outdated, but wood is actually cutting-edge technology as civilization advances toward the moon and Mars,” Kariya remarked, underscoring the relevance of this research in supporting both the timber industry and the future of space exploration.
I’m Bryan Lynn.
Reuters and Agence France-Press reported on this story. Bryan Lynn adapted the reports for VOA Learning English.
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Words in This Story
junk – n. material that is no longer of use or working
timber – n. wood used to construct buildings
feasible – adj. possible to do
pitch – v. try to persuade someone to do something
sword – adj. a weapon with a long, metal blade and a handle, that was especially used in the past
crafting – n. an activity in which you make something using a log of skill, especially with your hands
semiconductor – n. a material, such as silicon, that permits electricity to move through it more easily when its temperature increases
outdated – adj. not modern enough
cutting-edge – adj. very modern, with all the newest developments
**Interview with Takao Doi, Astronaut and Researcher at Kyoto University**
*Editor:* Thank you for joining us, Takao. The launch of the wooden satellite LignoSat is making headlines. Can you tell us more about what inspired this innovative project?
*Takao Doi:* Thank you for having me. The idea of using wood in space isn’t just about novelty; it’s rooted in sustainability. We recognized the potential of timber as a material that we can produce ourselves, especially in long-term missions. If we can prove wood’s durability in space, it opens up a future where we can build habitats and live sustainably beyond Earth.
*Editor:* That’s fascinating! You mentioned the sustainability aspect. How does LignoSat address the growing concern of space debris?
*Takao Doi:* That’s an important issue today. Traditional satellite materials can contribute to space junk once they’re decommissioned. A wooden satellite like LignoSat could mitigate this problem if it can be designed to decompose or be repurposed after its operational life. Moreover, our experiment aims to demonstrate that sustainable materials can thrive in space without adding to environmental hazards.
*Editor:* The project involves a combination of advanced technology and traditional craftsmanship. How did collaboration with Sumitomo Forestry come about?
*Takao Doi:* This collaboration was natural. Sumitomo Forestry has a deep respect for wood and craftsmanship, which aligns perfectly with our vision at Kyoto University. Combining their expertise in wood with our research allowed us to create something groundbreaking—LignoSat demonstrates that we can blend history with the future.
*Editor:* The choice of honoki wood is intriguing. What are its unique qualities that make it suitable for LignoSat?
*Takao Doi:* Honoki is a traditional Japanese wood known for its resilience. Unlike metals, which can degrade in the harsh atmosphere of space, wood like honoki is less susceptible to conditions like vacuum and radiation. Our tests aboard the ISS indicated it could withstand space’s challenges better than we initially expected.
*Editor:* Moving forward, what are your hopes for the future of wood in space technology?
*Takao Doi:* If LignoSat succeeds, we envision a future where wooden components become viable alternatives to traditional materials in space technology. We could even collaborate with initiatives like Elon Musk’s SpaceX to incorporate wooden technology in upcoming missions. We’ve only scratched the surface of what’s possible with sustainable materials in space exploration.
*Editor:* Exciting prospects ahead! Thank you for sharing your insights, Takao. We look forward to following LignoSat’s journey and its contributions to the field.
*Takao Doi:* Thank you for having me. It’s an exciting time for space exploration, and I can’t wait to see how this all unfolds!