Developed by a team from Kyoto University and homebuilder Sumitomo Forestry, LignoSat will be deployed from the space station in the coming weeks, where it will orbit for six months to assess how well the wood withstands the harsh conditions of space.
Former Japanese astronaut Takao Doi, who is part of the Kyoto team, emphasized the importance of sustainable materials: "If we can use materials that humans can produce and bring them to outer space, we can create a sustainable society. That’s why we want to find out if wood can be used in space."
The satellite is constructed from Japanese honoki, a type of magnolia known for its strength and resistance to shattering, making it a traditional choice for crafting items like sword scabbards and wooden sandals. According to forest science professor Koji Murata, wood can thrive in space as there are no elements to cause it to rot or catch fire.
Another advantage of using wood is its environmental impact at the end of the satellite’s life. Unlike traditional satellites that release harmful metal particles as they burn up in the atmosphere, wood will incinerate harmlessly.
Looking to the future, Doi envisions this satellite as a stepping stone toward a larger dream: planting trees and constructing wooden houses on the Moon and Mars.
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