Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry develop LignoSat, a sustainable space innovation.
In an exciting development for sustainable space exploration, Japan is set to launch the world’s first wooden satellite, LignoSat, aboard a SpaceX rocket later this year. This pioneering project, led by Kyoto University in collaboration with the logging company Sumitomo Forestry, marks a significant milestone in space technology and environmental innovation.
The satellite, which is a 10-centimetre cube made from durable magnolia wood, has been through rigorous ground tests to ensure it can withstand the harsh conditions of space. What sets the LignoSat apart is its construction process, which used no glue or screws, relying instead on a traditional Japanese assembly technique. This unique method, coupled with the sustainable nature of the material, could play a key role in reducing space debris and encouraging the use of eco-friendly materials in space missions.
If successful, the LignoSat could pave the way for future space habitats, potentially even on the Moon and Mars, to be built from wood. Professor Takao Doi of Kyoto University, who is part of the research team, highlighted the significance of this development: “Expanding the potential of wood as a sustainable resource is crucial. Our goal is to explore the use of wood in creating human habitats in space.”
The team will gather data on how the wood behaves in space, including monitoring its internal temperature, how it reacts to geomagnetic forces, and its expansion and contraction in a low-gravity environment. This information will be invaluable for future space construction projects.
The launch is scheduled for September from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. A second wooden satellite, LignoSat-2, is already in the works.
While another wooden satellite, WISA Woodsat, was initially set to launch in 2021, its mission has faced delays. Despite this, the project’s objective remains clear: to demonstrate that renewable, wood-based materials can be successfully used in demanding space applications.
This groundbreaking project highlights the potential for sustainable materials to play a pivotal role in the future of space exploration and construction.
