A model of the LignoSat satellite is displayed at Kyoto University before its launch on Tuesday. Reuters
The world’s first wooden satellite, developed by researchers in Japan, made its historic journey into space on Tuesday, marking an exciting step toward using timber in space exploration. The satellite, named LignoSat, was launched as part of a SpaceX mission that took it to the International Space Station (ISS). From there, it was released into orbit about 400 kilometers (250 miles) above Earth, serving as an experiment to test the use of wood in lunar and Mars exploration.
LignoSat, which is the size of a palm, is the product of collaboration between Kyoto University and the Japanese homebuilder Sumitomo Forestry. The satellite’s mission is to demonstrate the potential of wood as a renewable material that could be used in building structures on the Moon and Mars as humans look toward long-term space living. The name "LignoSat" comes from the Latin word for wood, "lignum."
Takao Doi, an astronaut and professor at Kyoto University, believes that using wood in space could help humanity build sustainable homes on other planets. “With timber, a material we can produce by ourselves, we will be able to build houses, live and work in space forever,” he said. Doi’s team has set an ambitious goal of planting trees and building wooden houses on the Moon and Mars within the next 50 years.
The idea of using wood in space might seem unusual, but the researchers argue that it’s not as far-fetched as it seems. According to Kyoto University professor Koji Murata, early airplanes in the 1900s were made from wood. “A wooden satellite should be feasible, too,” he said. In space, wood is actually more durable than on Earth because the lack of water and oxygen prevents it from decaying or catching fire.
Takao Doi, a former astronaut and current professor at Kyoto University, is seen holding a model of the LignoSat satellite. Reuters
Another key advantage of using wood in space is its environmental impact. When satellites are decommissioned and re-enter the atmosphere, they often burn up, releasing aluminum oxide particles into the air. Wooden satellites, however, would simply burn up with minimal pollution, making them a more eco-friendly option. Doi even speculated that metal satellites might be banned in the future, and proving the effectiveness of wooden satellites could lead to future collaboration with companies like SpaceX.
The researchers used honoki, a type of magnolia tree native to Japan and traditionally used for crafting sword sheaths, to build LignoSat. After a 10-month experiment aboard the ISS, honoki was found to be the most suitable wood for spacecraft. LignoSat was built using traditional Japanese craftsmanship, without screws or glue, to maintain the integrity of the wood in the harsh environment of space.
Once in orbit, LignoSat will remain there for six months, where its electronic components will measure how wood withstands the extreme conditions of space. Temperatures in space fluctuate dramatically, ranging from -100°C to 100°C (-148°F to 212°F) every 45 minutes as it moves from the darkness of space to the heat of the Sun. The satellite will also test how wood can protect against space radiation, which could have practical applications in technology like data centers.
Kenji Kariya, a manager at Sumitomo Forestry Tsukuba Research Institute, emphasized the significance of wood in space exploration. “It may seem outdated, but wood is actually cutting-edge technology as civilization heads to the Moon and Mars,” he said. He also suggested that this new space venture could breathe new life into the timber industry, opening doors for future industrial applications.
