On November 5, 2024, a SpaceX mission carrying a very special satellite took off from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida: LignoSat, the world's first satellite made of wood. This innovative device has been designed by a team from the Kyoto University In collaboration with Sumitomo Forestry, and promises to revolutionize the use of materials in the aerospace industry.
Magnolia wood has been chosen as the material for the main structure of the LignoSat, in a clear commitment to a more sustainable future in space. The idea of using wood did not arise by chance, but because of its ability to reduce waste by completely disintegrating upon re-entering the atmosphere, something that does not happen with conventional metallic satellites that leave behind aluminum oxide particles.
The reason behind LignoSat
LignoSat is the result of four years of research between scientists from Kyoto University and the aforementioned Japanese timber company. Its main purpose is demonstrate the feasibility of using wood in satellite manufacturing and, therefore, in space exploration. In addition, this satellite aims to open the door to a series of innovations that could arise in other fields beyond space, such as renewable materials technology for a new era.
Its size is comparable to that of a 10 centimeter cube and weighs approximately 1 kilogram. Although seemingly small and fragile, it has been subjected to extensive testing to ensure that magnolia wood is able to withstand the demanding space environment, where temperatures can fluctuate between -100 and 100 degrees Celsius in very short time intervals.
A sustainable and ecological satellite
One of the most notable aspects and why wood has been used is its ability to burn up completely when the satellite re-enters the atmosphere. This prevents it from becoming "space junk" and also does not generate harmful byproducts that can harm the environment. It is estimated that there are currently around 5.000 inactive satellites in orbit, along with approximately 20.000 pieces of space junk, which makes initiatives such as LignoSat urgent solutions to prevent the worsening of this problem.
Magnolia wood, a sustainable and natural material, is not only environmentally friendly, but also has other advantages. Requiring no screws or adhesive in its assembly, the team that built it used traditional Japanese carpentry techniques, making it even more resistant and durable in space, where temperature changes and radiation are constant. The fact that it is able to withstand these conditions is a surprising discovery, which underlines the potential of renewable materials in space.
Testing in space
After his arrival at the International Space Station, the LignoSat will be deployed and will remain in orbit for six months. During this time, several tests will be carried out to study how Wood withstands extreme environments from space. The satellite's electronic components will be equipped with sensors that will measure the wood's behaviour in response to space radiation and temperature changes.
The results of these experiments are expected to provide valuable data on the feasibility of using wood to protect electronic components, which would be useful in other technological applications. For example, data facilities or technologies that require radiation protection on Earth could benefit from this discovery.
Future Applications
LignoSat is not simply a scientific curiosity; its success could have a considerable impact on how satellites are designed in the future. Scientists hope that if this technology proves viable, future satellites They will no longer need to rely on heavy metals which complicate their removal.
In addition, the team behind this project has long-term plans, which include building infrastructure on the Moon or Mars using wood. According to the project leaders, this would not only be cheaper, but would also have a lower environmental impact, something essential in the context of sustainable space exploration.
LignoSat is not only designed for a unique mission, but opens the door to a series of innovations in space construction, beginning a new era where renewable materials could be the key to advancing sustainability in the cosmos.
From now on, the expansion of the space industry could not only continue to grow, but also do so in a more planet-friendly way. LignoSat has shown that satellites can be environmentally friendly, minimising waste while fulfilling their mission. This is just the beginning of what appears to be a new stage in the history of space exploration, in which wood could be a key element for living and working in space.