Japan Set To Launch World's First Wooden Satellite In Efforts To Tackle Space Pollution

NASA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) have collaborated on a groundbreaking initiative to send the world's inaugural wooden satellite into space, aiming to enhance the sustainability of spaceflight.

The satellite, named LignoSat, crafted from magnolia wood and comparable in size to a coffee mug, is scheduled for launch into Earth's orbit by the summer of 2024, as per information provided by the space agencies.

Kyoto University researchers, in collaboration with Sumitomo Forestry, have constructed the satellite to explore the feasibility of using biodegradable materials, like wood, as eco-friendly alternatives to the metals traditionally used in satellite construction.

Lab tests, simulating space conditions, revealed no measurable changes in mass or signs of decomposition or damage to wood samples.

Japanese astronaut and aerospace engineer Takao Doi explained that satellites re-entering Earth's atmosphere burn, generating small alumina particles that linger in the upper atmosphere for extended periods, eventually impacting Earth's environment.

If proven successful, the wood alternative can tackle this issue, as they will produce only a fine spray of biodegradable ash.