Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Muskan Arora
NASA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) are considering launching the LignoSat probe, the world's first wooden satellite, into space, in an attempt to make spaceflight operations more sustainable.
The tiny satellite, developed by scientists at Kyoto University in collaboration with Sumitomo Forestry, a logging company, aims to address the environmental impact of metallic particles from traditional spacecraft.
The LignoSat probe's biodegradable nature is seen as a potential solution to preserving the Earth's environment, as it is constructed from wood, which does not burn or rot in the vacuum of space but incinerates quickly upon re-entry into Earth's atmosphere.
The current prevalence of metallic particles, particularly alumina from spacecraft re-entry, raises concerns about potential long-term environmental damage, including impacts on Earth's fragile ozone layer.
In response to these concerns, scientists sought alternative materials, leading to the discovery of wood as a viable option due to its biodegradable properties and minimal environmental impact.
Researchers at Kyoto University identified wood from magnolia trees as the most suitable material for the LignoSat probe after extensive testing and evaluation of various timber profiles. Wood samples underwent successful testing aboard the International Space Station (ISS), affirming the suitability of the test satellite for launch and operation in space.
The LignoSat probe, approximately the size of a coffee mug, is expected to operate in space for at least six months before re-entering the Earth's atmosphere. If the launch and performance of the LignoSat probe are successful, it could pave the way for the use of wood as a construction material for more sustainable satellites in the future.
The development of the world's first wooden satellite represents a shift towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly space exploration practices, challenging conventional notions of spacecraft construction and design.