Why was the launch of the first wooden satellite built by Japanese scientists so important?

lignosate. This is the name of the world's first satellite made entirely of wood, and it is also scheduled to be launched into space within a few months.

Small satellite

While this may seem like a joke, nothing could be further from the truth. The first wooden satellite is now a realitythe result of the joint work of a group of scientists from Kyoto University and researchers from Sumitomo Forestry, a Japanese logging and processing company dedicated to building houses with wood materials.

It is a very small artifact, shaped like a cube, with each edge measuring 10 centimeters long, and weighing about one kilogram. What's strange is thatIt is built using Japanese craftsmanship technology that requires no screws or adhesives, and includes solar panels on its outer surface.

The material with which it is made is magnolia wood, which is a very flexible material, because it is easy to work with, in addition to being very resistant.. Of course, this choice was not the result of chance, but was determined after exposing three types of wood to space conditions.

Although it may seem surprising, wood has a great ability to withstand the conditions simulating low-Earth orbit.

After the experiment, which consisted of launching a small panel to the International Space Station (ISS) with these three different types of materials and exposing it for ten months, it was concluded that The only material that can withstand these harsh conditions is magnolia. Obviously, he was the one with the best dimensional stability and the one who resisted the best.

Future studies after space launch

LignoSat is expected to launch in September, barring any setbacks. It will first be delivered to the Japanese space agency JAXA, which will be responsible for sending it to the International Space Station using a SpaceX rocket.

Once launched into space, the For six months, this unique satellite will take measurements to check the expansion and contraction of wood, internal temperature, geomagnetism and the impact on electronic devices.. The collected data will be sent to a communications station at Kyoto University and used to develop a second satellite.

Building environmentally friendly and more economical satellites

The operation must be successful, and if so, It will open the doors to a new era in building environmentally friendly satellites Lower production costs.

Satellite designers confirm this The satellite will completely burn up once it reenters the atmosphereThis will be a solution to reduce the metal waste resulting from the return of these devices to the planet.