Japanese developers launched the world’s first wooden <a href="https://www.archyde.com/the-5-biggest-space-discoveries-of-2021/” title=”The 5 biggest space discoveries of 2021″>satellite into space aboard a SpaceX rocket on Tuesday.
Kyoto University scientists expect the device’s wooden material to burn up when it re-enters the Earth’s atmosphere, helping to prevent the release of metal particles into the atmosphere during the retired satellite’s return to Earth.
Developers say these metal particles have a negative impact on both the environment and telecommunications.
The box-shaped experimental satellite, called LignoSat, is just 10 centimeters (four inches) across.
It was launched on an unmanned rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Kyoto University’s Center for Human Astrology said.
The satellite, installed in a special container developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, was “launched safely into space”.
A spokesman for its co-developer Sumitomo Forestry told AFP the launch had been “successful”.
He said the satellite “will soon arrive at the ISS, and after about a month it will be launched into outer space” to test its strength and stability.
Data from the satellite will be sent to researchers who can test for signs of stress and determine whether the satellite can withstand extreme changes in temperature.
Takao Doi, an astronaut and special professor at Kyoto University, said at a press conference earlier this year that ‘satellites that are not made of metal should become mainstream.’
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**Interview with Takao Doi, Astronaut and Special Professor at Kyoto University**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Takao. The recent launch of the world’s first wooden satellite, LignoSat, has certainly sparked curiosity. What inspired the decision to use wood instead of traditional metal materials for satellite construction?
**Takao Doi:** Thank you for having me. The primary motivation behind using wood is to explore more environmentally friendly alternatives for satellite technology. Metal satellites can release harmful particles during re-entry, impacting both our atmosphere and telecommunications. By using wood, we aim to mitigate these negative effects while also testing the material’s durability in the harsh conditions of space.
**Editor:** Fascinating! If successful, what implications could this have for the future of satellite technology and environmental sustainability?
**Takao Doi:** If LignoSat demonstrates that wood can withstand the rigors of space, it could pave the way for a new standard in satellite production. This shift could lead to broader applications of sustainable materials in technology, ultimately reducing our carbon footprint in space exploration.
**Editor:** There’s a lot of excitement surrounding the potential of wooden satellites. However, some critics might argue that relying on organic materials could compromise the satellite’s effectiveness. How do you respond to concerns about the reliability of non-metal satellites?
**Takao Doi:** It’s a valid concern, and that’s precisely why we are conducting this experiment. We will carefully analyze data regarding the satellite’s performance, structural integrity, and response to extreme temperatures. This initial project is critical for determining whether non-metal satellites can be both reliable and sustainable.
**Editor:** Indeed, it raises an interesting point. Now, for our readers: do you believe that transitioning to wooden satellites is a step towards more sustainable technology, or do you think the risks outweigh the potential benefits? What are your thoughts?
