Japan has launched the world's first wooden satellite, LignoSat, into space to explore the potential of timber for future lunar and Mars missions. Developed by Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry, this palm-sized satellite will orbit Earth at 400 km for six months, testing wood's durability and performance in extreme space conditions. Astronaut Takao Doi emphasizes that using timber could enable sustainable living in space, while the satellite's design minimizes environmental impact upon decommissioning. The project aims to validate wood as a viable material for space habitation and construction.
Japan has launched the world's first wooden satellite, LignoSat, into space to explore the potential of timber for future lunar and Mars missions. Developed by Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry, this palm-sized satellite will orbit Earth at 400 km for six months, testing wood's durability and performance in extreme space conditions. Astronaut Takao Doi emphasizes that using timber could enable sustainable living in space, while the satellite's design minimizes environmental impact upon decommissioning. The project aims to validate wood as a viable material for space habitation and construction.
•The satellite aims to explore timber's potential for lunar and Mars missions.
•Developed by Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry.
•LignoSat will orbit Earth at 400 km for six months.
•It tests wood's durability in extreme space conditions.
•Astronaut Takao Doi highlights timber's potential for sustainable living in space.
•The design reduces environmental impact upon decommissioning.
•The project seeks to validate wood as a viable material for space habitation.