LignoSat: World’s First Satellite Made of Wood

Why in the news?

LignoSat, the first satellite made from wood, was launched to test wood’s durability in space, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional metal satellites and potential for future space structures.

LignoSat: World's First Satellite Made of Wood

Introduction:

  • LignoSat is the world’s first satellite with wooden components, launched aboard a SpaceX rocket from Kennedy Space Center, Florida.
  • Developed by Kyoto University researchers and Sumitomo Forestry, Japan, its purpose is to establish wood as a viable space-grade material.
  • The satellite is expected to be released into orbit 400 km above Earth in December, after being flown to the International Space Station (ISS).

Construction and Material:

  • LignoSat weighs just 900 grams and is the size of a coffee mug.
  • It is made of wooden panels, along with small plastic and silicon parts, using traditional Japanese craftsmanship techniques.
  • Researchers experimented with three types of wood: birch, cherry, and magnolia. Magnolia was chosen for its lightweight properties and resistance to cracking.
  • The satellite was built without screws or glue, relying on craftsmanship for assembly.

Environmental Benefits and Future Prospects:

  • LignoSat will stay in orbit for six months before burning up upon re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere, providing insight into the durability of wood in extreme space conditions.
  • Researchers aim to test how wood expands and contracts in space and how accurately the magnetism can be measured inside a wooden structure.
  • The environmental benefits of using wood over traditional metals, like aluminium, are notable: when burned, wood produces only water vapour and carbon dioxide, making it a cleaner alternative.
  • This innovation could lead to timber being used in future space explorations, including on the Moon and Mars.

About LignoSat:

  • Name: LignoSat (combination of “ligno” for wood and “satellite”).
  • Developed By: Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry Co.
  • Objective: Demonstrate wood’s eco-friendliness and cost-effectiveness in space exploration.
  • Construction: Made from magnolia wood for durability and adaptability.
  • Launch: Sent aboard a SpaceX rocket to the International Space Station (ISS).
  • Mission: Released from ISS to test its durability against extreme temperature changes.
  • Data Collection: Monitors strain, performance, and wood’s ability to withstand space conditions.
  • Environmental Benefit: Wood satellites produce cleaner byproducts upon reentry, unlike metal satellites that pollute.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times