Japan Launches World's First Wooden Satellite to Test Timber in Space

The innovative LignoSat aims to explore the viability of wood for sustainable space exploration and reduce space debris pollution.

LignoSat, developed by Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry, is crafted from honoki wood and uses traditional Japanese woodworking techniques.
The satellite will orbit Earth for six months, collecting data on wood's durability in extreme space conditions, including temperature fluctuations and radiation exposure.
Researchers aim to demonstrate wood's potential as a renewable material for future space habitats on the Moon and Mars.
Wooden satellites could reduce environmental impact by burning up completely upon re-entry, unlike metal satellites that release harmful particles.
The project is part of a broader vision to use sustainable materials in space exploration, potentially invigorating the timber industry.