NASA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) are poised to launch the world’s first wooden satellite, dubbed LignoSat, into orbit as early as 2024.
This innovative project aims to tackle the growing issue of space debris by utilizing a renewable and biodegradable material that will significantly reduce the environmental impact of spacecraft re-entry.
The LignoSat satellite, envisioned as a small, cube-shaped structure measuring approximately 10 centimetres in diameter and weighing around 330 grams, will be primarily constructed from treated Japanese magnolia wood, a lightweight and durable material meticulously selected for its resilience in the harsh conditions of outer space.
This groundbreaking venture carries a multifaceted mission. The satellite will be equipped with an array of sensors and instruments designed to evaluate the performance of wood in space and gather valuable data on its potential applications in future spacecraft.
These experiments will focus on assessing wood’s thermal conductivity, structural integrity, and ability to withstand the damaging effects of radiation exposure.
The LignoSat Mission represents a significant step towards mitigating the growing problem of space debris. Currently, millions of pieces of human-made space junk, including defunct satellites, rocket stages, and other fragments, are orbiting Earth, posing a serious threat to operational spacecraft and future space exploration efforts. The use of wood in satellite construction could significantly alleviate this issue.
In the vacuum of space, wood exhibits remarkable stability, neither burning nor rotting. However, upon re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere, it will incinerate into a fine ash, leaving behind no harmful debris. This unique property makes wood an environmentally friendly material that poses no risk to the planet.
Extensive testing has confirmed the remarkable durability of wood in the extreme environment of outer space. Despite significant temperature fluctuations, exposure to intense cosmic rays, and bombardment by dangerous solar particles over a ten-month period, the wood samples showed no signs of decomposition or deformation, such as cracking, warping, peeling, or surface damage.
The LignoSat Mission marks a pivotal moment in space technology, demonstrating the potential of wood as a sustainable and environmentally friendly material for spacecraft construction.
