Japan to launch world's first wooden satellite: Know its significance
What's the story
Japanese scientists have successfully built the world's first wooden satellite, called LignoSat.
This project is a collaboration between Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry.
The launch of the compact cubesat, measuring a mere four inches on each side, is scheduled for September aboard a SpaceX rocket.
The construction of LignoSat marks a significant shift from traditional satellites, typically made from metals and plastic.
"Satellites that are not made of metal should become mainstream," said astronaut and Kyoto University professor Takao Doi.
Handover
LignoSat: A potential game-changer for future space missions?
The developers of LignoSat are planning to hand over the satellite to Japan's space agency JAXA next week.
After this handover, it will be launched from the Kennedy Space Center in September on a SpaceX rocket bound for the ISS.
This innovative wooden satellite could potentially revolutionize future space missions by reducing environmental damage caused by conventional satellites.
Launch plan
Journey to the International Space Station
The launch process of LignoSat is unique—it won't go to the orbit directly.
The SpaceX rocket will first transport it to the Japanese Space Agency's experimental module at the International Space Station (ISS).
From there, the satellite will be released and data will be sent back to researchers for monitoring—checking for signs of strain and whether it can withstand huge changes in temperature.
Scenario
A leap toward sustainable space exploration
Satellites don't remain in space forever. Once they're decommissioned, they're directed to re-enter the Earth's atmosphere and disintegrate.
However, the environmental repercussions of this satellite cremation, particularly the release of metal particulates like aluminium, concern scientists due to potential ozone depletion.
That's where LignoSat, crafted from magnolia wood, is highly useful.
The concept behind it is that upon re-entry, LignoSat will completely combust, significantly minimizing its environmental footprint compared to conventional metal spacecraft and satellites.