Japan sent the world’s first wooden satellite into space

Space and satellite solutions, seen as the future of the technology world, continue to develop day by day. An important innovation regarding satellite technologies came from Japan. Scientists in Japan announced that they launched a satellite made of wood into space.

Around Earth orbit 400 kilometers high With this satellite, which will return, researchers will examine whether wood is durable enough for space conditions. launched on monday night LignoSat The wooden satellite named will reach SpaceX’s International Space Station in the first place.

LignoSat, which will then be released into orbit, for 6 months It will measure how wood withstands harsh space conditions through its onboard devices. The wooden satellite project started to be developed in 2020 by Kyoto University researchers and wood company Sumitomo Forestry.

In 2022, tests were carried out on the developed wooden satellite, which was exposed to the space environment for more than 240 days on the International Space Station. Researchers to use in the project Hoonoki, a type of Magnolia treeThey preferred . The reasons why Hoonoki is preferred are its high workability, stability and general durability.

LignoSat satellite palm-sized Let’s share that it is. According to Kyoto University researchers, the absence of water or oxygen in space will protect the wooden satellite from burning or rotting. Head of the project Takao DoiIn their statement, they also shared that if the wooden satellite is successful, they want to propose the project to Elon Musk and SpaceX.